One New York City public school chose Justin Bieber over “God Bless the USA” for a kindergarten graduation ceremony. P.S. 90 Principal Greta Hawkins is refusing to let students sing Lee Greenwood’s ’80s classic “God Bless the USA” (aka “Proud To Be An American”) because it isn’t “age appropriate.” Hawkins reportedly explained, “We don’t want to offend other cultures.”
No comment on the possible offense of musical tastes after Justin Bieber’s “Baby” stayed on the playlist. The popular hit describes a teenage romance.
According to the New York Post, along with “Baby,” the 5-year-old students will be singing “We’re All Together Again,” “The World is a Rainbow,” “Shake Your Sillies Out,” and “You’ve Got a Friend in Me.”
City Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott stands by the principal saying, “It’s her judgment to make that decision.” Even with the chancellor’s support, parents and teachers are up in arms about the decision. A Facebook page was created this past weekend calling for Hawkins’ firing.
Drop us a line in the comment section below. — By Sherman Fabes
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