The decision by Spring Cove Middle School to remove the song “Lift Every Voice and Sing” from their upcoming concert has caused a stir in the community.
The Blair County School District Superintendent Betsy Baker and Middle School Principal Amy Miller announced the decision just a day before the event, citing potential community divisiveness as the reason. Baker explained to The Altoona Mirror, “We wanted everyone to feel comfortable,” suggesting the move was to avoid controversy.
Historical Significance of the Anthem
“Lift Every Voice and Sing” was composed in 1900 by James Weldon Johnson and J. Rosamond Johnson, leaders in the NAACP.
The song has since been regarded as the Black National Anthem.
NAACP to Conduct Formal Investigation
Following the decision to cut the anthem from the concert, the Blair County NAACP announced plans to conduct a formal investigation into the matter.
The investigation aims to understand the rationale behind the decision and its impact on the community, ensuring that the cultural significance of the anthem is respected and preserved.
Parental Concerns Over Song Removal
Stephen Hershberger, a parent whose child was set to perform in the concert, expressed his disappointment to The Altoona Mirror, saying, “Cutting the song just sends the message that a few individuals’ discomfort outweighs the perspective and care and concern of minority students and others who don’t have the same beliefs as them.”
He argued for more inclusive options that respect diverse viewpoints.
School Officials Discuss Their Decision
In an interview, Superintendent Baker and Principal Miller discussed their challenging position of balancing differing opinions within the community.
Baker stated, “We can’t make everyone happy,” reflecting on the difficulties of their decision-making process in the diverse school environment.
The Role of Student Comfort
The decision to remove the anthem was influenced by concerns from students about the song potentially causing controversy.
School officials aimed to create a comfortable environment for all participants by addressing these concerns directly, although this led to the removal of a culturally significant song from the event.
NAACP President Criticizes the Decision
Andrae Holsey, president of the Blair County NAACP, said that the song “calls us into unity together,” and described the decision to remove it as “the first step in a slippery slope.”
His comments reflect the NAACP’s view that the decision could lead to further divisive actions.
Reflecting Broader Societal Issues
The controversy surrounding the removal of the anthem illustrates broader societal issues related to race and representation.
Hershberger’s comment highlights the ongoing challenges faced by minority students, emphasizing that “Being a minority student is already a daunting task.”
Broader Community Impact
The school district’s decision has triggered a complex dialogue about race, representation, and education in Blair County.
With the community sharply divided, the upcoming NAACP investigation is eagerly anticipated.
Future of School Concerts in Question
As the dust settles on this decision, the future of inclusivity in school concerts remains uncertain.
The district faces a critical examination of how it chooses to represent and respect its diverse student body in school-sponsored events.
The Challenge of Balancing Diverse Views
The district’s leaders are continually tasked with finding a middle ground in a community with diverse viewpoints.
Their decisions impact the school’s culture and the community’s perception of inclusivity and respect for historical and cultural legacies.
What Comes Next for the Community and School
The NAACP’s planned investigation and the ongoing community response will likely influence how similar situations are handled in the future.
The outcome of this controversy may set a precedent for addressing cultural sensitivities in educational settings across the district.
