Why Miley Cyrus And Dolly Parton's 'Rainbowland' Banned At US School Concert

A song by pop star Miley Cyrus and country legend Dolly Parton has been banned from a school concert in Wisconsin, sparking outrage among some parents and teachers. The song, titled “Rainbowland”, is a duet that celebrates diversity and inclusion, with lyrics such as “Living in a Rainbowland / Where we’re free to be exactly who we are” and “Let’s all dig down deep inside / Brush the judgment and fear aside”.

Why was the song banned?

The song was chosen by two dual-language teachers at Heyer Elementary School for their first-grade class to perform at a spring concert with a theme of world unity and peace. However, according to one of the teachers, Melissa Tempel, the school administration vetoed the song within a day of students learning it. Tempel said she was told that the song could be “perceived as controversial” according to a school board policy on controversial issues in the classroom.

The song Rainbow Connection from the Muppet Movie has also been taken off our spring concert list now. #muppets #jimhenson #publicschools @DollyParton @MileyCyrus @billyraycyrus @waukeshaschools @ACLULGBT https://t.co/mRNzbi0pLz

— Maestra Melissa (@melissatempel) March 23, 2023

The policy defines a controversial issue as any topic “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”.

Tempel said she was not given a specific reason for why the song was deemed controversial, but she suspected that it had to do with its message of LGBTQ acceptance and its reference to rainbows, which are often used as a symbol of pride by the LGBTQ community. She also said that she was told that Miley Cyrus “is controversial” herself, but she did not think that was a valid reason to ban the song.

How did the students and parents react?

Tempel said her students were “devastated” by the decision to remove the song from the concert. She said they had already learned most of the lyrics and were excited to sing it. She also said they did not understand why the song was controversial, as they saw it as a positive and uplifting song.

Tempel also expressed her frustration on Twitter, tagging both Cyrus and Parton in her post. She wrote: “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?”

Some parents also voiced their support for Tempel and their disappointment with the school district. Sarah Schneidler, whose daughter is in Tempel’s class, told CNN that she thought the song was “beautiful” and “appropriate” for the concert theme. She said she was “shocked” and “angry” when she learned that the song was banned.

What did the school district say?

In a statement, the School District of Waukesha County confirmed that it had asked Tempel to remove the song from the concert. It said: “It was determined that the song could be deemed controversial in accordance with [Board Policy 2240 – Controversial Issues in the Classroom]. The decision was made out of respect for all students’ beliefs and values.”

The statement also said that instead of “Rainbowland”, the students would perform “Rainbow Connection” by Kermit the Frog at the concert, which would also feature other songs such as “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles and “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong.

What did Cyrus and Parton say?

Neither Cyrus nor Parton have publicly commented on the issue as of yet. However, both singers have been vocal supporters of LGBTQ rights and causes in the past. Cyrus, who identifies as pansexual, has founded a non-profit organization called Happy Hippie Foundation that aims to help homeless and LGBTQ youth. Parton, who is Cyrus’ godmother, has also expressed her love and acceptance for her LGBTQ fans and has collaborated with several LGBTQ artists.

What do you think?

Do you agree or disagree with the school district’s decision to ban “Rainbowland” from the concert? Do you think the song is controversial or appropriate for first graders? Do you think