Macklemore and Ryan Lewis' $10,000 Grant Ban Lifted By Aliso Niguel High School

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Macklemore and Ryan Lewis have shown their concern over the dwindling funding of public school arts programs in the form of a $10,000 grant to an Orange County high school. However, early last week, it was revealed that Aliso Niguel High School declined the grant due to the promotion of "misogyny and drug use." Mackelmore was evidently disheartened by the news, which came in light of parents' complaints about a visit from the pair. The ban was prompted by a contest (held by the textbook website Chegg, according to The Orange County Register) in which students competed to win a visit and grant from the popular Hip Hop duo.


When students at the high school heard that, despite winning the contest, they would be unable to see Macklemore perform at receive the grant money, they immediately spoke out. Conceived at 8 P.M. Monday, according to XXL, a Change.org petition organized by the students had garnered over 6,000 signatures by Tuesday morning. Student Quinn Darling, who led the protests, told The Orange County Register, "The ultimate decision was never publicized to parents or us, so even though six or however many parents who were initially against (the visit), there are maybe 300 parents who would've supported it." Darling took to Instagram to share his feelings.

Students of Aliso Niguel High School. As you already know, our school received the most votes and won a visit from @macklemore and @ryanlewis along with a $10,000 grant to our fine arts programs at Aliso. Sadly, due to the complaints of a few parents of Aliso Niguel students, who claim that Macklemore and Ryan Lewis are figures who promote drug use and misogyny, our Principaland Administration have decided to decline the visit and music grant. This decision was made regardless of the hour ASB spent debating and countering our Principal's claims. With all due respect, I believe admin has made a huge mistake. I am personally offended by their decision as it is based off outdated evidence and our leaders have failed to see all the amazing movements and messages these artists have focused on spreading over the past few years which would be beneficial to every student at our school. Most significant being a Gay-Rights movement and also many Anti-Drug messages. I am here to say our voice matters and we have been robbed of this amazing opportunity. I encourage you to repost this message or Respectfully share your own thoughts and work with us to spread a movement of Students speaking out for what is fair and just. #bringbackmack A photo posted by Quinn Darling (@quinndarling) on Oct 12, 2015 at 7:06pm PDT

Despite earlier recalcitrance, the school's administration decided to reverse its position on the issue. "After careful consideration of varying viewpoints on all sides of the issue surrounding a possible visit by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, it is my hope that we have developed a plan that will meet the needs of our diverse students," said the school's principal Deni Christensen in a statement. "In recognition of our students' efforts in winning this contest, and a desire to provide students the option of hearing a presentation regarding the music industry, the importance of music education and the arts, along with a Q+A session with the two artists, we will be holding this event after school hours in December."

Hopefully, Macklemore's disappointment will fade when he sees the enthusiasm of the students at Aliso Niguel High School.

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Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Macklemore

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