A
traditional Christmas carol is in the middle of a controversy at an
elementary school in Michigan. The music teacher decided to change the
lyrics to “Deck The Halls” because one particular word had the students
laughing. The teacher at Cherry Knoll Elementary School removed the word
“gay” – changing the verse to “Don we now our bright apparel” rather
than “gay apparel.” Principal Chris Parker said some students “had been
snickering at the lyrics to ‘Deck The Hals’,” so she changed them.
Parker says when he found out about the lyric change, he immediately had
a chat with the teacher. Many parents thought the teacher’s decision to
change the lyrics was completely inappropriate. Some said they were now
taking time to explain to their children that gay is not a bad word.
(Do you think the teacher should have changed the lyrics, or left them alone?)
(Do you think the teacher should have changed the lyrics, or left them alone?)
As a music teacher I disagree with the teacher. In that moment I would have taught the definition of the word gay as it was used in the song. That lesson could have spanned multiple subject areas...english...history...music...and I am sure their are others.
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