Rally Planned Before Hearing On Firing Waukesha 'Rainbowland' Teacher

WAUKESHA, WI — After a Waukesha teacher who suggested the song "Rainbowland" for an elementary school concert was put on leave, advocates announced plans for a silent rally to support her before district officials meet on Wednesday to consider ending her employment.

Heyer Elementary School Teacher Melissa Tempel said she was informed of an impending recommendation for termination by Superintendent James Sebert in mid-May. Tempel was put on leave in early April, officials confirmed, after she sounded off about a decision that barred her students from singing the Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus duet "Rainbowland" for a concert.

"After more than a month-long investigation, the District Superintendent recommended termination asserting that Tempel violated administrative guidelines in the form and forum she chose to disagree with the decision of the District," wrote The Alliance for Education in Waukesha on Wednesday. The advocacy group was initially formed amid the pandemic in an effort to protect the community, according to its website.

Tempel suggested the song in March, which prompted the school's principal to check in with the district office, according to a news release from the district at the time. But officials found the duet may be too controversial for use under Board Policy 2240, and a Kermit the Frog song was planned instead, the news release said.

See also: 'Rainbowland' Too Controversial For Waukesha First Graders: District

In March, Superintendent Sebert noted to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that the block on "Rainbowland" came in part while considering social and personal impacts on children and whether the song was appropriate for students' age and maturity level.

The song's lyrics — which can be found in full from Genius.com — include "Living in Rainbowland, where you and I go hand in hand, Oh, I’d be lying if I said I was fine, all the hurt and hate going on here, we are rainbows me and you, every color, every hue, let’s shine on through, together, we can start living in a Rainbowland."

On Wednesday at noon, a public hearing is expected at the School District of Waukesha administrative offices to consider the recommendation for termination against Tempel, according to a news release from The Alliance for Education in Waukesha. The board's president, Kelly Piascek, confirmed the plans for Wednesday's meeting with The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Tempel and district officials are expected to speak at the meeting and a decision could be expected the same day, she told the newspaper.

Ahead of Wednesday's expected hearing, the Alliance encouraged people to take action through letters and a silent rally. Those living inside the Waukesha School District's boundaries were asked to write letters to school board members in support of Tempel.

The group is also planning a gathering on Saturday at United Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Waukesha to make posters and signs ahead of Wednesday for a silent rally.

The advocacy group encouraged people to join at 11 a.m. on Wednesday before the public hearing at District Offices, 301 Hyde Park Avenue, while wearing black armbands, masks or other First Amendment t-shirts. The group also encouraged people to attend Wednesday's hearing.

See also:

Waukesha Teacher Who Suggested 'Rainbowland' For Concert Put On Leave

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