Cunningham Defends BOE’s Cancelation of Musical
Cardinal Schools Superintendent Jack Cunningham issued the following press release Jan. 30 regarding the board of education’s decision to cancel the high school’s spring musical:
Cardinal Schools Superintendent Jack Cunningham issued the following press release Jan. 30 regarding the board of education’s decision to cancel the high school’s spring musical:
“(Cardinal Schools) has decided that its spring musical production will not be “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” Its dialogue and song lyrics contain vulgarity and are therefore not suitable for our pre-teen and teenage students in an educational setting.
“This reflects the district’s longstanding commitment, and Board Policy 5722 clearly expresses this commitment. Regrettably, this production was not submitted to the board of education or district administration for approval. The district will be sure to complete its review process for future productions well in advance.
“The district expects that its student productions constitute a learning experience, which contributes to the educational program, and material that is not suitable for students of all ages does not meet this standard. The district plans to have a spring musical production that is appropriate for all of our students.
“As is spelled out in more detail in Board Policy 2240, the district believes that the consideration of controversial issues has a legitimate place in the instructional program of our schools. However, the district wants its student productions to be something that community members of all ages may enjoy without adult supervision.
“In all aspects of its operations, the district vigorously enforces its prohibition against discriminatory harassment based on race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, age, religion, ancestry, or genetic information. Anyone suggesting otherwise is simply mistaken.”
