Administration censors choir musical
Omission of N-word ignites controversy
February 27, 2015
Despite a petition from over 500 students and a meeting to address the topic, administration went ahead with the decision to remove the N-word from the choir production of “Ragtime” Feb. 26.
Interim principal Scott Meyers said the decision was influenced by conversation with various African-American staff members.
“I sought out the opinion of people of color in the building,” Meyers said. “That was when the decision was made.”
Response to the decision varied among students and staff. Teacher Peter Redmond said he understands Meyers’ position and final decision in the matter, as well as the gravity of the N-word.
“Mr. Meyers or any principal has the right to do that so that to me is not that big of a deal,” Redmond said. “If Mr. Meyers as our principal chose to censor it then he has the constitutional right to do that. My personal experience is that it was no big deal when I was growing up. We used the word constantly, in many different forms, as a term of endearment, as a term of derogation, so it’s been part of my life, all my life.”
Senior Melvin Ametepe said he believes the use of derogatory language can be justified in certain situations.
“I’m not really against using them (racial slurs) in a historical way, but if you use it to harm someone in a racially negative way, that’s when it becomes a problem.”
Senior cast member Andrew Lindstrom said he objects to the administration’s decision to remove the N-word yet leave in place other derogatory words.
“I think it’s downright wrong that they think that they should take the N-word out and they think they can leave in other controversial words, like kill the krout and cracker,” Lindstrom said.
Lindstrom said other degrading words such as coon, kike, polack, mick and whore of Babylon were left in the script.
Choir director John Myszkowski declined to comment.
The musical, which tells the story of classism and racial disparities in New York City in the early 20th century, opened Feb. 26. Three more performances will take place, 7 p.m. tonight and tomorrow, and 2 p.m. Sunday.
The Echo is continuing to investigate this topic and will update the story as more information becomes available.
