An activist friend contacted the National Coalition Against Censorship about the middle school play-cancelling debacle. They have written a very good letter to the school administration, which follows.
We are deeply concerned about the recent decision to cancel the XXX Middle School performance of Higher Ground, written and directed by teacher YYY ZZZ, because of your view that its “content exceeds the maturity of many of [XXX Middle School] students.” After speaking with a member of your community, we also understand, however, that this decision was made in response to parental complaints about homosexual themes in the play, and that you have instructed the teacher to re-write the play to omit this material. In our view, this is precisely the kind of censorship that the First Amendment prohibits.
School officials are bound by constitutional considerations, including a duty not to discriminate against unpopular or controversial ideas. As the Supreme Court has observed on many occasions, “public educators must accommodate some student expression even if it offends them or offers views or values that contradict those the school wishes to inculcate” (Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier, 1989). While school officials have considerable discretion in controlling school-sponsored activity, there are limits when it comes to suppressing non-disruptive expression, especially if it addresses political or social concerns (Tinker v. Des Moines School District, 1969; Morse v. Frederick, 2007).
Higher Ground addresses many issues of great relevance to middle school students: bullying, cliques, stereotyping, prejudice, body-image, self-esteem and more. It offers themes of hope and strength, teaches students to see beyond superficial differences, and encourages them to stand up for their friends and themselves. Exploring these themes through theater provides students with an engaging, educational experience. By studying and portraying characters, students learn to explore and embody perspectives and experiences outside of their own. Already, teachers around the country have read Ms. ZZZ’s play and asked for her permission to perform it in their schools. Clearly, they feel it will resonate with students and prove to be a strong educational tool.
The task of selecting school plays properly belongs to professional educators. Parents may be equipped to make choices for their own children, but, no matter how well-intentioned, they simply are not equipped to make decisions for others. Not all parents object to the play, and those who do have no right to impose their views on others or to demand that this production reflect their personal preferences. Anyone who does not wish to confront the material does not have to see the show.
In our experience, controversies of this sort are best handled by enriching the conversation, not restricting it. We suggest that you host a “talk-back” after the performance so the audience can ask questions. We also suggest that you continue to explore ways for students to express their points of view about the play through the school newspaper, classroom projects, assemblies, etc. This allows for a continued community conversation in response to the play without silencing the actors’ voices.
We urge you to encourage student creativity and to teach students the skills to discuss sensitive issues respectfully. These critical educational goals – the goals that inspire the First Amendment – cannot be accomplished by demanding that the play be altered to avoid important topics which students regularly confront. We urge you to allow Ms. ZZZ and the cast and crew of Higher Ground to perform their play in school and un-edited by the administration.
If we can be of assistance in this matter, please do not hesitate to call us at (212) 807-6222.
Sincerely,
Joan Bertin
Executive Director
National Coalition Against Censorship
c/o
Claire Karpen
Coordinator, Youth Programs and Free Expression Network (FEN)
National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC)
275 Seventh Ave, 15th Floor
New York, NY 10001
T: (212) 807-6222 ext 22
F: (212) 807-6245
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The National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC), founded in 1974, is an alliance of 50 national non-profit organizations, including literary, artistic, religious, educational, professional, labor, and civil liberties groups. United by a conviction that freedom of thought, inquiry, and expression must be defended, we work to educate our own members and the public at large about the dangers of censorship and how to oppose them.
While I am not familiar with this play, I would contend that parents and community members certainly do have the right to impact decisions of what plays are performed within a school system. If it is deemed obscene or detrimental to educational values, it can be appropriately restricted, assuming the proper process is followed.
For example, the public could (and should) block a black-face minstrel show from being performed.
Pistol Pete
March 1st, 2008
The devil, as always, is in the details. “Detrimental to educational values” is very much in the eye of the beholder, as is, unfortunately, “proper process.” As far as I’ve been able to tell, none of this is completely black and white.
It’s been fascinating to both observe and participate as the community struggles with these issues in real time. Ideally everyone would gain a bit of insight into their own motivations and empathy for the beliefs of others as a result — but I’m not holding my breath.
Satchel
March 1st, 2008
Ah, so there is a lot more content and complexity to this play than earlier posts made me think. So, I go with the Coalition on this one. Nobody is forced to watch the play, and parents can, as far as I know, opt not to have their children participate in the activity. If in doubt, which is often, I always side with less restriction.
vhaecky
April 6th, 2008