NCAC - National Coalition Against Censorship

*UPDATE*: Teacher Jennie Brown who wrote and directed the censored play Higher Ground is currently "under investigation" (see related articles for more information). Read NCAC's new letter to the School Board.

NCAC's Letter to the Editors of The Oregonian Re: "Sherwood Investigates Teacher who Wrote play"

We at the National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) are deeply concerned about reports that a middle school teacher who wrote a play that school officials cancelled because they considered it controversial is now "under investigation." ("Sherwood Investigates Teacher Who Wrote Play," 3/12/08.)

The timing of the investigation sends a chilling message to teachers throughout the district that they explore important issues like bullying, stereotyping, cliques and prejudice at their peril.

School officials refuse to discuss the matter publicly, which only adds to the suspicion that they are the real bullies here - bullying teachers into silence. They should instead be grateful for teachers who expend extra energy to address issues relevant to students' concerns and to teach them how to discuss difficult subjects respectfully and thoughtfully. These critical educational goals - the goals that inspire the First Amendment - cannot be accomplished by suppressing student expression and punishing educators who teach challenging material.

Principal Anna Pittioni
Sherwood Middle School
21970 SW Sherwood Blvd.
Sherwood, Oregon 97140
APittioni@sherwood.k12.or.us

Superintendent Dan Jamison
Sherwood School District
23295 SW Main St.
Sherwood, Oregon 97140
djamison@sherwood.k12.or.us

February 28, 2008

Dear Principal Anna Pittioni and Superintendent Dan Jamison:

We are deeply concerned about the recent decision to cancel the Sherwood Middle School performance of Higher Ground, written and directed by teacher Jennie Brown, because of your view that its “content exceeds the maturity of many of [Sherwood Middle School] students.” After speaking with a member of your community, we also understand, however, that this decision was made in response to parental complaints about homosexual themes in the play, and that you have instructed the teacher to re-write the play to omit this material. In our view, this is precisely the kind of censorship that the First Amendment prohibits.

School officials are bound by constitutional considerations, including a duty not to discriminate against unpopular or controversial ideas. As the Supreme Court has observed on many occasions, “public educators must accommodate some student expression even if it offends them or offers views or values that contradict those the school wishes to inculcate” (Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier, 1989). While school officials have considerable discretion in controlling school-sponsored activity, there are limits when it comes to suppressing non-disruptive expression, especially if it addresses political or social concerns (Tinker v. Des Moines School District, 1969; Morse v. Frederick, 2007).

Higher Ground addresses many issues of great relevance to middle school students: bullying, cliques, stereotyping, prejudice, body-image, self-esteem and more. It offers themes of hope and strength, teaches students to see beyond superficial differences, and encourages them to stand up for their friends and themselves. Exploring these themes through theater provides students with an engaging, educational experience. By studying and portraying characters, students learn to explore and embody perspectives and experiences outside of their own. Already, teachers around the country have read Ms. Brown’s play and asked for her permission to perform it in their schools. Clearly, they feel it will resonate with students and prove to be a strong educational tool.

The task of selecting school plays properly belongs to professional educators. Parents may be equipped to make choices for their own children, but, no matter how well-intentioned, they simply are not equipped to make decisions for others. Not all parents object to the play, and those who do have no right to impose their views on others or to demand that this production reflect their personal preferences. Anyone who does not wish to confront the material does not have to see the show.

In our experience, controversies of this sort are best handled by enriching the conversation, not restricting it. We suggest that you host a “talk-back” after the performance so the audience can ask questions. We also suggest that you continue to explore ways for students to express their points of view about the play through the school newspaper, classroom projects, assemblies, etc. This allows for a continued community conversation in response to the play without silencing the actors’ voices.

We urge you to encourage student creativity and to teach students the skills to discuss sensitive issues respectfully. These critical educational goals – the goals that inspire the First Amendment – cannot be accomplished by demanding that the play be altered to avoid important topics which students regularly confront. We urge you to allow Ms. Brown and the cast and crew of Higher Ground to perform their play in school and un-edited by the administration.

If we can be of assistance in this matter, please do not hesitate to call us at (212) 807-6222.

Sincerely,

Joan Bertin
Executive Director
National Coalition Against Censorship

READ THE PLAY: Higher Ground by Jennie Brown: What do you think?

» March 12, 2008 - Sherwood investigates teacher who wrote play (The Oregonian)The Sherwood School District is investigating Jennie Brown, the middle school drama teacher who wrote a controversial play on bullying, a school district official confirmed Tuesday. The district has changed her e-mail address, but district administrators declined to say why they changed the address or why she is under investigation.

» March 10, 2008 - Sherwood administrators apologize for role in play controversy(Sherwood Gazette)Two key Sherwood Schools administrators have apologized for their role in a censorship saga that garnered national attention.

» March 5, 2008 - Uncensored Play Finds Home(Sherwood Gazette)Sherwood Middle School drama students will perform an uncensored version of "Higher Ground," a play that confronts the realism of bullying written by sixth-grade SMS teacher Jennie Brown, this weekend at the Portland Center for the Performing Arts.

» March 5, 2008 - Blocked Student Play Goes Off Campus (The Oregonian)The show will go on Sunday for a controversial Sherwood Middle School play that school administrators had stopped, saying the subject matter was too mature for students. Sherwood Middle School students will perform "Higher Ground," a play about overcoming bullying written by their drama teacher, Jennie Brown, at the Portland Center for the Performing Arts.

» March 3, 2008 - Middle school students prove maturity in censorship battle (Sherwood Gazette Editorial)In a display of what we view as extreme maturity, the cast of “Higher Ground” voted to reject Pittioni’s request to censor the script, even though it meant that their months of hard work might be in vain.

» Feb 21, 2008 - Censorship or Judgement? Middle School Principal Cancels Play (KOIN Local News)People in Sherwood are debating a play called "Higher Ground" written by middle school teacher Jenny Brown. Sherwood Middle School Principal Anna Pittioni pulled the performance three days before opening night; it was to run this weekend.

» Feb 21, 2008 - Letter from Sherwood Middle School Principal (KOIN Local News)"Based on the broad audience of students we serve, I believe that the existing content exceeds the maturity of many of our students."