Article Summary –
Wisconsin’s public education system is experiencing a turbulent period, with controversial topics such as censorship coming up in school board races. Several events in the past year have made headlines, including the passing of Act 20 in June 2023 which changed how early elementary students are taught to read, and the firing of a teacher in Waukesha School District for criticizing the administration’s ban on using a specific song in a school concert. Additionally, a school principal in Racine County sued the Raymond School District claiming he was fired because of his sexual orientation.
The forthcoming April 2 Wisconsin school board elections signify a turbulent period for the state’s public education, with controversial issues such as censorship influencing school board races in areas like Kenosha.
Key events in the past year include the implementation of Act 20, the firing of a teacher over a song, and a discrimination lawsuit from a school principal.
Act 20
In 2023, Gov. Tony Evers enacted Act 20, altering early elementary school teaching practices.
The law brings changes to curriculum and assessment in grades K-3. Key changes include obligatory literacy assessment for K-3 students and the creation of the Council on Early Literacy Curricula, which provides annual literacy curriculum recommendations.
In February, the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) critiqued the council’s performance, but their recommendations were overridden by the Republican-controlled finance committee.
“Rainbowland” Controversy
Melissa Tempel, a Waukesha School District teacher, was dismissed in 2023 for criticizing her school’s admin for prohibiting the song “Rainbowland” in class.
Tempel was placed on administrative leave following a tweet expressing disappointment and was later fired. She sued the school district and a federal judge denied the school district’s motion to dismiss Tempel’s lawsuit.
Racine County principal
Jeff Peterson, ex-principal at Raymond Elementary School, sued the Raymond School District after his contract wasn’t renewed, alleging discrimination based on his sexual orientation.
Peterson’s lawsuit alleges discrimination and claims an increase in anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and discrimination following the election of certain board members. Despite parental support, Peterson’s contract was not renewed.
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