Teacher suspended for playing song about being gay
A Detroit-area middle school teacher says she’s been suspended for playing a song “Same Love” about being gay during class. Susan Johnson, a performing arts teacher at South Lyon’s Centennial Middle School, played the song at the request of a student in her class. She played it after making sure there was no violence or profanity in the lyrics, and thought that it would promote understanding of diversity and fight bullying. Underground rapper Ben Maclemore tackles the dangers of hate and stereotypes by showing the struggle of a homosexual man from birth to death. As Johnson listened to the song, she said she thought to herself this was something her students could learn from.
She explained:
This is one of the things in my school that we’re trying to practice and we’re trying to instill in our students is tolerance to diversity.
However, another student in class didn’t agree with the lyrics, went to the office and complained. Before the school day ended, Johnson claims the principal and assistant superintendent told her she was suspended indefinitely without pay. Johnson was later told that her suspension would last three days and she wouldn’t be paid for two. She says administrators told her she should have sought permission to play the song.
Assistant Superintendent Melissa Baker didn’t care to elaborate but did present Johnson with paperwork explaining their reasoning. The district claims the song had controversial content — homosexuality, religion, politics views and a sexual slur.
Read more: http://www.classwarfareexists.com/teacher-suspended-for-playing-song-about-being-gay/#ixzz2DgF1h1Lk
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ignorant and backward. So if one student complains, oh, that's reason to take action . ... but if a student complains about bullying, oh, that's part of growing up. Many administrators are completely unqualified and inept for the positions they hold.
