Community Corner

Poll: Is the School District Being Too Prudish?

The drama director at Monrovia High School resigned partly because he felt creative expression was being stifled in his department. What role should the district have in choosing what kinds of art kids are exposed to?

drama director Marc Segal spent more than two decades teaching drama, and he said his productions over the years ran the gamut from "G-rated" to more "thought-provoking" works.

After the district , Segal was limited to doing productions of a much more tame variety. He said he was getting tired of doing fairy tales and mild musicals and .

Former students and parents spoke out in support of Segal in comments on Patch and Facebook, calling for the district to broaden its artistic horizons.

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"As a parent whose daughter blossomed under Mr. Segal's direction, I am saddened by his decision," wrote parent Stephen McCarthy on Patch. "I am even more saddened by the district's turn from what was an enlightened inclusive support for drama to one of apparent narrow mindedness, more concerned with being "safe" than allowing students to appropriately explore the world around them I wonder what's next?"

Some local residents came to the district's defense, however.

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"Not every play or musical gets produced nor is it acceptable in all venues," wrote Miguel Montes on Patch. "I for one agreed with our board's decision regarding the issue of the musical Rent and believe there are other productions far more deserving of the talent of the Monrovia High School students."

Question: Should MUSD students be exposed to more challenging material, or has the approach of the district in selecting productions been appropriate?

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