WAUKESHA, Wis. — The School District of Waukesha says Miley Cyrus' song "Rainbowland" was banned from Heyer Elementary School's upcoming first-grade music concert.
A classroom teacher suggested the song to the music teacher, but it was ultimately found controversial.
According to the school district, the music teacher checked with the principal to determine if the song would be acceptable to use in a first-grade music concert. The principal then checked with a central office administrator. The two reviewed the song alongside the district's "Board Policy 2240 - Controversial Issues in the Classroom." In accordance with the policy, they determined the song "could be deemed controversial."
Instead, the song "Rainbow Connection" by Kermit the Frog was selected.
The district says the decision is supported by Superintendent Jim Sebert and at no time was the Board of Education involved.
The song, which is a duet with Dolly Parton, includes lyricslike "Living in a Rainbowland where you and I go hand in hand. Oh, I'd be lying if I said this was fine. All the hurt and the hate going on here We are rainbows, me and you. Every color, every hue. Let's shine on through. Together, we can start living in a Rainbowland."
According to the board policy, "a controversial issue is a topic on which opposing points of view have been promulgated by responsible opinion and likely to arouse both support and opposition in the community."
You can read the full policy on the district's website.
Arrowhead High School responds to concerns involving camera and visiting students
Mary Jo Ola | Feb. 14, 2023
Arrowhead Union High School District's superintendent revealed they are making changes to where they host visiting teams after a situation involving Waukesha West High School.
This week, some families with the Waukesha West Basketball program got a letter stating their designated room while playing at Arrowhead High School had a camera and that video was taken. The school said, "some if not many of our players went through the process of changing before and after the contest without knowledge of being filmed."
Arrowhead Superintendent Laura Myrah shared pictures of the room, which is typically used as a study hall. It showed a camera in the middle of the ceiling, windows, and several desks.
In an email, the superintendent said "the space is clearly not a locker room or changing room with any expectation of privacy."
Teams visiting Arrowhead are given team rooms near bathrooms to change, which is a format they have used for about 10 years.
Myrah called this recent situation a misunderstanding about the purpose of the room.
"How would they know that? I feel like there should’ve been signs that they should be changing in the bathrooms and not just out in the open," said Waukesha West High School student Sydney Johnson.
Johnson was not involved in this situation but understands why athletes visiting schools may use whatever room they are assigned to change. The high school senior noted every school is different so clearly communicating expectations is key.
"Back in middle school I was a big volleyball person and when going to other schools you wouldn’t think twice about it," Johnson said.
Myrah said law enforcement determined video from several events where visitors used the study hall room does not show nudity or inappropriate undressing.
TMJ4 News reached out to Waukesha County Sheriff's Department for clarity on this situation.
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