'Cool Running' Star Tweets To WHS Principal After Film Is Pulled

WAYLAND, MA—The decision to pull the showing of a feature film during Winter Week at Wayland High School caused some to question that decision, and also brought national attention - including from the star of the film itself.

The Wayland Student Press Network originally reported that "Cool Runnings" was scheduled to be shown to the student body during the annual celebratory week, on Jan. 31, but was shelved a day before the showing out of concerns for racism. As with years prior, the Student Council had chosen the movie to be shown.

Principal Allyson Mizoguchi reportedly sent an email to the school stating that there is “criticism related to racially insensitive portrayals of characters in the movie.”

"The day before it was going to be shown, I understood that some people in our school community were concerned that the movie contained stereotypes that were not fitting for an all-school, tightly scheduled experience," Mizoguchi told Wayland Patch. "We have done a lot of work at WHS, particularly in our curriculum, to be more inclusive of our diverse student community and to think critically about stereotypes. We could have shown the movie if we had ample time for discussion and debriefing, but as it was planned, the schedule would not allow that. It was also too late, and too challenging, to simply swap out the movie for another one. After some discussion and research, I felt the potential to do harm was too great, so I decided not to show it. We had a regular bell schedule that day."

More than 150 students replied to Mizoguchi's email. Wayland Student Press Network reports more on that feedback and the controversy here.

As a Wayland High School alum, it blows my mind that this happened. I am 24 and remember watching the movie multiple times growing up. I would never use the term "racially insensitive" in the same sentence as #CoolRunnings
— Amy McDonald (@AmyLaur_) February" class="redactor-linkify-object">https://twitter.com/AmyLaur_/s... 5, 2018

Released in 1993, 'Cool Runnings'revolves around a Jamaican sprinter who is disqualified from the Olympics, and he responds by joining a dishonored coach to start the first Jamaican bobsled team.

The film's star, Leon Robinson, responded to the decision at Wayland on Twitter, posting a video, stating,

"Wow. This is surprising. This movie has been shown in many schools, including my own daughter's when she was in fifth grade."

"The reaction initially from many students was very emotional, confused and angry," said Mizoguchi. The day it was supposed to be shown, we had lunchtime discussions where many students came to ask questions and vocalize their opinions. Everyone was incredibly thoughtful and respectful. Some students have been genuinely curious about what in the movie is concerning, and about a half dozen viewed it as a part of a WSPN showing and discussion. I have had many conversations and email exchanges with parents, both in support of and adamantly opposed to the decision. I think the dialogue has been challenging but very good for our school community."

Photo via town of Wayland