Teacher fired over 'Rainbowland' controversy sues Waukesha School District

By: CBS 58 Newsroom

Posted: Sep 5, 2023 3:01 PM CDT

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

WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Waukesha teacher fired over the Rainbowland controversy is suing the School District of Waukesha.

It all started last March when teacher Melissa Tempel tweeted about the district's decision to ban the song "Rainbowland," by Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton, from the 1st grade musical at Heyer Elementary School.

She was then put on administrative leave for six weeks before being fired by the school board. They argued the termination was for violating district policy.

Both the School District of Waukesha and Superintendent James Sebert have been named as defendants in the case.

We've asked the school district for comment and the district does not have a statement at this time.

The lawsuit can be read in full below: