Wisconsin School Bans Miley-Dolly Duet from Class Concert
A school in Wisconsin has banned a duet by Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton from being performed at a class concert. The song in question, “Rainbowland,” features on Cyrus’ 2017 album “Younger Now” and features her godmother Dolly Parton.
The decision to ban the song has sparked controversy, with some parents and students arguing that it is a form of censorship. However, the school argues that the song’s lyrics are not appropriate for a school setting.
According to reports, the decision to ban the song was made by the school’s principal, who deemed the lyrics to be “too suggestive.” The song includes the lyrics “We are rainbows, me and you/Every color, every hue/Let’s shine through/Together we can start livin’ in a Rainbowland.”
While some may view these lyrics as harmless, the school believes that they could be interpreted in a sexual manner and are therefore not suitable for a school performance. The decision has been met with criticism from some who feel that the school is overreacting and censoring the students’ freedom of expression.
The controversy has attracted the attention of national media outlets, with both The Washington Post and NDTV covering the story. The Washington Post spoke to some of the parents of the students involved, who expressed their disappointment with the decision.
One parent said, “It’s a shame that the school is banning this song. It’s a beautiful song about unity and acceptance, and it’s a shame that they don’t see that.”
The decision has also been criticized on social media, with many people arguing that the school is being overly cautious and is infringing on the students’ rights.
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
— Maestra Melissa (@melissatempel) March 21, 2023
However, the school has defended its decision, stating that it has a responsibility to ensure that all performances are appropriate for a school setting.
In an interview with Pinkvilla, a spokesperson for the school said, “We understand that some people may disagree with our decision, but we believe that it is important to maintain appropriate standards for school performances.”
The spokesperson also pointed out that the school has not banned the students from performing other songs, and that they are free to choose a different song if they wish.
The controversy surrounding the banning of “Rainbowland” highlights the ongoing debate about censorship in schools. While it is important to ensure that performances are appropriate for a school setting, some argue that this can lead to the censorship of student expression.
Ultimately, the decision to ban the song is up to the school, and it is important for parents and students to understand and respect the school’s decision. However, it is also important for schools to listen to the concerns of parents and students and to engage in open dialogue about issues of censorship and expression.
In conclusion, the decision to ban “Rainbowland” from a class concert in Wisconsin has sparked controversy and highlighted the ongoing debate about censorship in schools. While some may argue that the school is overreacting, it is important to remember that the school has a responsibility to ensure that all performances are appropriate for a school setting. At the same time, it is important for schools to engage in open dialogue with parents and students about issues of censorship and expression.