Dozens show up in support of Waukesha teacher placed on leave over 'Rainbowland' controversy

WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Fallout continues after a Waukesha Elementary school prohibited first graders from performing the Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton song "Rainbowland" at their spring concert.

The decision to remove the song from the spring concert was made three weeks ago by Heyer Elementary School Principal Mark Schneider and the Director of Elementary Learning, Melissa Yow.

First grade teacher Melissa Tempel, whose class was scheduled to perform the song, has spoken out on social media about the decision. Tempel has been placed on administrative leave, according to local parent group "Alliance for Education in Waukesha."

That parent group, along with dozens of others, showed up to the Waukesha school board meeting Wednesday night, singing "Rainbowland" in a show of support for Tempel.

"We hope that they see there are big numbers and we are not going to go away," Said Monica Whaley, member of United Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Waukesha.

A previous statement from the Waukesha School District's board president and the superintendent stated the song was dropped due to "the subject matter addressed by the song's lyrics."

They later pointed to a school board policy that says a controversial issue is a topic which may have "political, social, or personal impacts."

However, they have not stated specifically what about the lyrics falls under that policy.

"Out of transparency, can you (Principal of Heyer Elementary School) tell us what about it was controversial, and we have not gotten a response to date," Whaley added.

Over the last three weeks, CBS 58 has made repeated attempts to contact Heyer Elementary School officials but has not heard back.