Waukesha School Board votes 9-0 to fire teacher at center of 'Rainbowland' controversy

 

WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Heyer Elementary School teacher Melissa Tempel has been fired after the Waukesha School Board voted 9-0 Wednesday, July 12.

First-grade dual-language teacher Melissa Tempel’s termination comes after a board hearing involving several district officials on Wednesday that lasted several hours.

Prior to the hearing, dozens dressed in black gathered outside of the district’s offices to hold a silent rally and show their support for Tempel, citing free speech and diversity.

Melissa Tempel first tweeted about officials at Heyer Elementary who decided to not allow a Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton duet from 2017 be performed during a first-grade spring concert.

The reason? Officials deemed the song 'inappropriate' citing lyrics and the artist in regard to the ages of the students.

Officials told CBS 58’s Ellie Nakamoto-White they will issue a formal press release about the termination on Thursday.

Tempel and her lawyer said they are planning to continue this fight in federal court.