School Board’s “Urinetown” Failure
Concerns ACLU of Wisconsin

November 21, 2006 Milwaukee – Last night the Stevens Point, Wisconsin School Board failed to overturn their superintendent’s cancellation of a high school production of “Urinetown – The Musical.”   The American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin is concerned that the board’s inaction will harm the district and its students. 

“The board is allowing the superintendent to misapply an age appropriate standard to the detriment of students and the community,” said Christopher Ahmuty, executive director of the ACLU of Wisconsin.   “We hope they will at least discuss the issue in the near future.  When rights are involved the board should take the time to determine, if the superintendent’s decision is based on hypersensitivity to the title, a desire to please, office politics, sound educational practice, or some other rationale,” he continued.

The ACLU of Wisconsin is continuing its investigation into the matter.  On Tuesday the ACLU submitted a public records request to the district as part of that investigation.  The request seeks to clarify the history of the policies involved, the standards used, and the decision making process.  (See attached letter.)

“Urinetown is age appropriate for all the students involved in its production and for all the students likely to see it performed.  By censoring the musical because the youngest students may not understand it, turns the whole district and community into the superintendent’s wards.  Educators, students, parents and community members deserve better,” Ahmuty concluded.

The ACLU of Wisconsin is a citizen organization defending the civil liberties of all Wisconsin residents.  It has over 9,000 members statewide.
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Cancellation of High School Musical “Urinetown”
Concerns ACLU of Wisconsin

November 17, 2006 Milwaukee -- Late Friday, the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin made its initial response to the decision of the School Superintendent in Stevens Point to cancel a scheduled production of the Broadway musical “Urinetown.”   Media accounts report that Dr. Bette Lang has cancelled the musical because in addition to its questionable title, she believes that it is not appropriate for younger audiences. 

The ACLU is investigating not only the district’s policies, but also its practices, which do not appear to present musicals to younger students unless their parents bring them to an evening performance.  It also questions how the superintendent determined what is age appropriate. 

ACLU of Wisconsin Executive Director, Christopher Ahmuty, said today “We agree that curriculum materials should be age appropriate, but we are concerned that the district may be using that standard as a pretext.  The superintendent should not censor a play that is age appropriate for the students putting it on and the vast majority of community members, who voluntarily attend performances.”

Ahmuty continued, “The ACLU’s investigation is continuing.  Hopefully, the district school board will find a way to let the show go on for the sake of the students involved and free speech in Stevens Point.”

The ACLU of Wisconsin is a nonprofit organization.  It has over 9,000 members in Wisconsin.

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To view both Press Releases in .pdf format, click here.

To view the Open Records Request to the Stevens Point School District, click here.

Stevens Point Journal and their editorial on the Unrinetown cancellation.

Steven's Point District Website In the school board section of this site, you’ll find relevant policies and the school board packet (background materials) from Monday’s board meeting.