Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus' duet song "Rainbowland" was banned from an elementary concert because it "could be perceived as controversial."
According to reports, first-grade students from Heyer Elementary School in Waukesha had prepared to perform "Rainbowland" for their elementary school concert.
However, a few days before they were set to perform the rendition of the song, the school's administration cut the song out of the lineup, saying that it was not "appropriate for the age and maturity level of the students."
Melissa Tempel, a teacher from the school reacted to the administration's decision to ban the song: "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?"
However, it seems like the Wisconsin school's decision was final, as they doubled down on their reasoning.
They cited the Controversial Issues in the Classroom policy, adding that administration "determined that the song could be deemed controversial."
'Confusing'
Tempel explained how her class was so excited to sing "Rainbowland" and how devastated they felt when they were notified that they were not allowed to sing the song at the concert.
"It's such a fun song and they just immediately took to it," she said. "We just really feel bad because the kids were excited about it."
It's just really confusing. ... It just doesn't make a whole lot of sense."
According to the policy the administration cited, a controversial issue are topics "on which opposing points of view have been promulgated by responsible opinion; which may be the subject of intense public argument, disagreement or disapproval; which may have political, social or personal impacts on students and/or the community; and which is likely to arouse both support and opposition in the community."
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'Rainbowland'
Since the song has been effectively banned, many fans were outraged by the decision.
After all, the lyrics of the song seem harmless enough: "Living in a Rainbowland, The skies are blue and things are grand, Wouldn't it be nice to live in paradise, Where we're free to be exactly who we are, Let's all dig down deep inside, Brush the judgment and fear aside, Make wrong things right, And end the fight, 'Cause I promise ain't nobody gonna win."
Fans took to Twitter to air out their frustrations: "So what's next? Ban Somewhere Over the Rainbow? Maybe Kermit's Rainbow Connection?"
"So, what would happen if they just went ahead and performed that song? They plan on shutting off the lights and making everyone evacuate the building? Or arresting teachers? Or putting first-graders in handcuffs? What's the game plan here?"
"Their next move is blocking out the sun so there's no possibility of a rainbow being created naturally," another added.
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