A class of first graders was told they couldn’t perform “Rainbowland” by Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton because it may be “controversial”
In today’s installment of “policing what can and can’t be said in kids’ classrooms has gone way too far” news, a first grade class at a Wisconsin elementary school has been banned from performing “Rainbowland” by Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus at an upcoming concert after school officials decided it may be too “controversial.”
Melissa Tempel, a first grade teacher at Heyer Elementary in Waukesha, Wisconsin, told Today that the kids were excited about “Rainbowland’s” lyrics and message.
“It’s just a really good song about peace, love, appreciating diversity and getting along, and my students liked it so much,” Tempel said.
School officials haven’t commented to reporters, but a press release from the Waukesha School District’s public relations and communications office says the school’s principal, Mark Schneider, “checked with a central office administrator so they could review the song together and alongside our Board Policy 2240 — Controversial Issues in the Classroom.”
The press release continues, “They determined that the song could be deemed controversial in accordance with the policy.”
“Rainbowland” is a duet by Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus that was released in 2007. It promotes ideas of friendship, cooperation, unity, and celebrating diversity.
“It’s really just about dreaming and hoping that we could all do better,” Parton said when the song was released. “It’s a good song for the times right now.”
For reference, here are the lyrics that this school district deemed “controversial:”
My first graders were so excited to sing Rainbowland for our spring concert but it has been vetoed by our administration. When will it end? @waukeshaschools @DollyParton @MileyCyrus @mileyworld @gsafewi @CivilRights #publicschools pic.twitter.com/8Na0nETmDw
— The Rainbowland Teacher (@melissatempel) March 21, 2023
Miley Cyrus’ Happy Hippie Foundation has tweeted in support of the students at Heyer Elementary and pledged to donate to Pride and Less Prejudice, an organization that provides free, age-appropriate LGBTQ+ books and resources to elementary school classrooms.
To the inspiring first grade students at Heyer Elementary, keep being YOU. We believe in our Happy Hippie heart that you’ll be the ones to brush the judgment and fear aside and make all of us more understanding and accepting 🌈
— Happy Hippie Foundation (@happyhippiefdn) March 29, 2023
Tempel said no one has confirmed exactly what makes “Rainbowland” too controversial for first graders to sing, but said she believes it has to do with a school district policy that bans “political signs” in classrooms—which includes “Black Lives Matter” and “safe space” signs, and the rainbow flag.
As a replacement, Tempel said her kids plan to sing Kermit the Frog’s “Rainbow Connection” for the spring concert—now that school officials have reversed a ban they originally placed on that song, too.
“We were just floored at that point, because it seemed so bold to blatantly ban two songs that have the word ‘rainbow’ in them,” she said. “Both of which have a really positive message that’s completely appropriate for first grade.”
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