Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton’s 2017 song “Rainbowland” is back in public discussion after a Wisconsin school banned the song from a class concert. The school’s administrators claim that the song’s pro-LGBTQ+ lyrics conflict with a school board policy due to its ‘controversial’ nature. The song was part of a spring concert list for first graders and the class teacher has voiced out against the school’s decision.
The first-grade spring concert’s theme is “The World” and the list now features “Rainbow Connection” by Kermit the Frog in place of the Miley Cyrus song. The class teacher Melissa Tempel shared the original song’s lyrics on Twitter and informed the public about the decision to veto the song. She expressed her belief that the ban goes beyond the spring concert as it reflects the political pushback on LGBTQ+ inclusivity and rights in schools.
Why did the Wisconsin school ban ‘Rainbowland’ for its pro-LGBTQ+ lyrics?
Parents and teachers in the Wisconsin school district claim that the Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton song was banned because it encourages LGBTQ acceptance and references rainbows. The district questioned whether the song is appropriate for the age and maturity of first graders.
The school district of Waukesha made a formal statement about the concert issue at the Heyer Elementary School in Wisconsin. The statement claims that the song could be deemed controversial in accordance with “Board Policy 2240 – Controversial Issues in the Classroom”.
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
— The Rainbowland Teacher (@melissatempel) March 21, 2023
According to this policy, a ‘controversial issue’ is anything that is a subject of intense public argument and which may have political, social or personal impacts on students. The decision to change the song from Rainbowland to Rainbow Connection has caused quite a stir online.
What is Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton’s ‘Rainbowland’ about?
Rainbowland is a feel-good anthem that celebrates diversity and acceptance. The lyrics can be interpreted as pro-LGBTQ+. The song talks about a place where everyone is welcome, regardless of their race, gender, or sexual orientation. The chorus emphasizes the message of unity and acceptance: “We’re all in this together, gotta love one another, we’re living in a rainbowland.”
To the inspiring first grade students at Heyer Elementary, keep being YOU. We believe in our Happy Hippie heart that you’ll be the ones to brush the judgment and fear aside and make all of us more understanding and accepting 🌈
— Happy Hippie Foundation (@happyhippiefdn) March 29, 2023
Miley Cyrus has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has used her platform to promote acceptance and equality. The Happy Hippie Foundation, which she founded in 2014, focuses on supporting LGBTQ+ youth and other vulnerable populations. In the past, she has also publicly supported same-sex marriage and spoken out against discrimination and prejudice.
Class teacher Melissa Tempel’s reaction to Rainbowland’s removal
Melissa Tempel is a first grade dual language teacher at Heyer Elementary School. It was her choice to include the Miley Cyrus song in the set list. She has expressed her disappointment as her class students had immediately taken to performing the song.
The class teacher believes that the decision was a result of the choice of artist Miley Cyrus. The 30-year-old singer is known for her bold and outrageous persona. However, Melissa Tempel doesn’t think this should affect the school’s choice.
Other songs in the class concert include “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles and “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong. Both Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton have not commented on the issue yet.
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