Michigan Teacher Suspended for Playing Macklemore's Equality Anthem is Back in Class, Her Pay Restored

Susan Johnson, who received a two-day unpaid suspension for allowing a student to play Macklemore's equality anthem "Same Love" in class, has returned to school, and officials are speaking out after public outrage over the punishment, the Detroit News reports:

"I am willing to not uphold the suspension, but the violation of the district practice regarding web-based clips and our expectations for instructions previewing materials under this will remain in writing," he said in a statement.

The president of the South Lyon Education Association, which represents the district's teachers, said he supports members' efforts to foster tolerance and understanding "without equivocation"

"We also know that teachers need to follow administrative policies and, yet, we feel the district's initial response, a two-day unpaid suspension, to one of our members showing a video clip without submitting the required form, was excessive," said Jim Brennan. "After voicing our concerns, we are pleased that the district reconsidered, and chose to rescind the two-day unpaid suspension. We look forward to meeting with the district to come up with a final resolution."

Johnson received a statement of support from Macklemore following the incident.

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Perform 'Same Love' in NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert: VIDEO

"Same Love", the song that sounds as sublime at a tiny desk as it does in a big concert hall.

Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...

Macklemore Reacts to Suspension of Michigan Teacher for Playing His Pro-Equality Song 'Same Love' in Class

Yesterday Andrew reported on performing arts teacher Susan Johnson, suspended from South Lyon's Centennial Middle School in Michigan for letting a student play Macklemore and Ryan Lewis' pro-equality anthem "Same Love" in class.

Wrote Macklemore on his website:

I believe that Ms. Johnson getting suspended is completely out of line and unjust.  However, I think it’s important for moments like these to be exposed and for us to pay attention and respond.  This level of intolerance and fear is still very active in America, but at times is not completely visible. This incident is just one of tens of thousands that have happened across the country where schools have exposed a latent homophobia, preventing safe space for all young people to feel confident in being themselves. It’s clear that Ms. Johnson felt bullying and “gay bashing” were issues that needed to be addressed, and by doing so, was punished.

I wrote the song “Same Love,” not with the expectation that it would cure homophobia and lead to marriage equality across the US (although that’d be awesome).  It was written with the hope that it would facilitate dialogue and through those conversations understanding and empathy would emerge. This incident demonstrates how too often we are quick to silence conversations that must be had. Even if people disagree, there is far more potential for progress when people are vocal and honestly expressing their thoughts about gay rights.  When we are silent and avoid the issue, fear and hatred have a far greater life span.

It’s discouraging that a song about love and civil rights has led to a teacher getting suspended from her job.  But that’s where we are at. For those of us who get a pit in our stomach when reading a story like this, it just makes it abundantly clear there is far more work to be done.

The school is standing by its decision to suspend Johnson.

In related news, 'Jabari Presents' produced an excellent documentary about Macklemore & Ryan Lewis which he filmed as they shot their infamous "Thrift Shop" music video, and prepared for the release of "The Heist".

Check it out, AFTER THE JUMP...

Michigan School Suspends Teacher For Playing Pro-Gay 'Same Love': VIDEO

South Lyon's Centennial Middle School in Michigan suspended performing arts teacher Susan Johnson for letting a student play Macklemore and Ryan Lewis' pro-marriage equality song "Same Love."

Even though the song is about celebrating everyone, the school sided with an offended student and told Johnson to take three-days off, two of which were without pay.

"I was paralyzed. I really didn't understand why I was being suspended," she told the local Fox News affiliate. "I'm very disappointed in the bias, the bigotry that I feel that they're really hiding behind."

"I really love my kids and I never want to hurt them, but I also know that there's a lot of bullying and there's a lot of gay bashing and racial issues going on in our country and I want the kids to feel comfortable in my class no matter who they are," said the teacher, who has contacted the ACLU about the matter.

The school wouldn't comment on the situation, saying, "We don't go on camera here in South Lyon." Alrighty, then.

Watch the news report and the "Same Love" video AFTER THE JUMP.

[via Gawker]

Macklemore and Ryan Lewis Sing Their Marriage Equality Anthem 'Same Love' on Ellen: VIDEO

Macklemore and Ryan Lewis performed an amazing, showstopping rendition of their marriage equality anthem "Same Love" on Ellen. Ellen called them "my new heroes."

Check it out, AFTER THE JUMP...

And if you've somehow missed their unbelievable music video, watch it HERE.

Macklemore and Ryan Lewis Drop Epic Video in Support of Marriage Equality and Gay Rights: WATCH

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis today released this amazing video in support of Referendum 74 in Washington to their track "Same Love" featuring Mary Lambert. "Same Love" is featured on the debut album from Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, The Heist, released on October 9.

Do not miss this one, AFTER THE JUMP...

More info at Music for Marriage Equality.