Opposing groups rally before hearing for Waukesha teacher who criticized 'Rainbowland' decision

The Waukesha School Board hold a hearing Wednesday to determine whether teacher Melissa Tempel will be fired. Waukesha School District superintendent James Sebert recommended Tempel be fired for a tweet criticizing the district's decision to ban the Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton song, Rainbowland.

A group of parents hold a silent rally at the Waukesha School District building before the Waukesha School Board's July 12 meeting. The rally is a show of support for Heyer Elementary School teacher Melissa Tempel, who was put on administrative leave after criticizing the Waukesha School District for banning the song "Rainbowland" from a spring concert.

Lisa Bieri of Brookfield attends a silent rally outside the Waukesha School District building at 301 Hyde Park Ave. as seen on Wednesday, July 12, 2023. The rally is a show of support for Heyer Elementary School teacher Melissa Tempel, who was put on administrative leave after criticizing the Waukesha School District for banning the song "Rainbowland" from a spring concert.

Ali Storms, left, and her sister Julia, both of Grafton, came to the Waukesha School Board's July 12 meeting to support the board members and their decision to ban the song "Rainbowland" from a spring concert at Heyer Elementary School.

Sarah Harrison of Brookfield and Jana Goodman of Waukesha hold signs during a silent rally outside the Waukesha School District building at 301 Hyde Park Ave. as seen on Wednesday, July 12, 2023. The rally is a show of support for Heyer Elementary School teacher Melissa Tempel, who was put on administrative leave after criticizing the Waukesha School District for banning the song "Rainbowland" from a spring concert.

A group of parents hold a silent rally at the Waukesha School District building before the Waukesha School Board's July 12 meeting. The rally is a show of support for Heyer Elementary School teacher Melissa Tempel, who was put on administrative leave after criticizing the Waukesha School District for banning the song "Rainbowland" from a spring concert.

A group of parents hold a silent rally at the Waukesha School District building before the Waukesha School Board's July 12 meeting. The rally is a show of support for Heyer Elementary School teacher Melissa Tempel, who was put on administrative leave after criticizing the Waukesha School District for banning the song "Rainbowland" from a spring concert.

Members of the ACLU look on as a group of parents hold a silent rally at the Waukesha School District building before the Waukesha School Board's July 12 meeting. The rally is a show of support for Heyer Elementary School teacher Melissa Tempel, who was put on administrative leave after criticizing the Waukesha School District for banning the song "Rainbowland" from a spring concert.

A group of parents hold a silent rally at the Waukesha School District building before the Waukesha School Board's July 12 meeting. The rally is a show of support for Heyer Elementary School teacher Melissa Tempel, who was put on administrative leave after criticizing the Waukesha School District for banning the song "Rainbowland" from a spring concert.

Heyer Elementary School teacher Melissa Tempel, center, talks with her attorneys, Summer Murshid, right, and Martha Burke, of Hawks Quindel, during a Waukesha School Board hearing Wednesday, July 12 to determine whether Tempel will be fired. Waukesha School District superintendent James Sebert recommended Tempel be fired for a tweet criticizing the district's decision to ban the Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton song, Rainbowland.

Mark Schneider, Principal of Heyer Elementary School, testifies during a Waukesha School Board hearing Wednesday, July 12 to determine the fate of teacher Melissa Tempel. Waukesha School District superintendent James Sebert recommended Tempel be fired for a tweet criticizing the district's decision to ban the Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton song, Rainbowland.

Sharon Thiede, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources for the Waukesha School District, testifies during a Waukesha School Board hearing Wednesday, July 12 to determine the fate of teacher Melissa Tempel. Waukesha School District superintendent James Sebert recommended Tempel be fired for a tweet criticizing the district's decision to ban the Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton song, Rainbowland.

Heyer Elementary School teacher Melissa Tempel, top center, is shown on a video monitor next to her attorney Summer Murshid of Hawks Quindel during a Waukesha School Board hearing regarding Tempel's termination Wednesday, July 12. Waukesha School District superintendent James Sebert recommended Tempel be fired for a tweet criticizing the district's decision to ban the Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton song, Rainbowland. Attorney Christina A. Katt, representing the Waukesha School District, is pictured in bottom frame.

Dr. James Sebert, Superintendent of Schools in the Waukesha School District, testifies during a Waukesha School Board hearing Wednesday, July 12 to determine the fate of teacher Melissa Tempel. Sebert recommended Tempel be fired for a tweet criticizing the district's decision to ban the Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton song, Rainbowland.

Heyer Elementary School teacher Melissa Tempel, testifies during a Waukesha School Board hearing regarding her termination Wednesday, July 12. Waukesha School District superintendent James Sebert recommended Tempel be fired for a tweet criticizing the district's decision to ban the Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton song, Rainbowland.