Suspension overturned for teacher who allowed Macklemore song

BY Josh Kerns  on December 4, 2012 @ 11:30 am (Updated: 2:49 pm - 12/4/12 )

A Michigan school district has changed its tune about suspending a teacher for allowing a student to play Seattle rapper Macklemore's song about marriage equality in class.

Officials suspended Susan Johnson last week after someone complained she let a student play a YouTube video of "Same Love."

School officials had argued she broke the rules by not getting permission first. The district claims the song had controversial content described as "homosexuality, religion, politics views and a sexual slur." It features lyrics like "I might not be the same, but that's not important. No freedom 'til we're equal, damn right I support it."

Now, the superintendent for South Lyon's Centennial Middle School has reversed Johnson's suspension and reinstated her pay (she was docked two days salary.)

"I am willing to not uphold the suspension, but the violation of the district practice regarding web-based clips and our expectations for instructions previewing materials under this will remain in writing," William Pearson told The Detroit News in a statement.

Johnson is relieved the three day suspension was overturned , but told Detroit's ABC 7 the ordeal has taken its toll.

"It's been really difficult to go to work every morning and have this hanging over me, this anxiety," she said.

In a previous statement on his blog, Macklemore criticized the district:

"This incident demonstrates how too often we are quick to silence conversations that must be had. Even if people disagree, there is far more potential for progress when people are vocal and honestly expressing their thoughts about gay rights. When we are silent and avoid the issue, fear and hatred have a far greater life span."

Josh Kerns, MyNorthwest.com Reporter
Josh Kerns is co-host of KIRO Radio's Seattle Sounds (Saturday nights 7-8) and a digital content producer for MyNorthwest.com.
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Comments (3)


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  • Seattle is a cesspool wrote...
    Totally...
    December 4, 2012 1:24 pm
    She should be able to play some Eminem up in that B@tch. Come on now.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • dori monson fan wrote...
    lawsuit alert!
    December 4, 2012 6:07 pm
    "It's been really difficult to go to work every morning and have this hanging over me, this anxiety," she said.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Value wrote...
    Religious play
    December 4, 2012 10:12 pm
    What would it been if she/he will promote religious play in his/her class???
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }