School District of Lancasterâs superintendent has canceled the spring high school musical after a group of students who auditioned expressed concern over the playâs derogatory language in describing Black and Hispanic people and people with disabilities.
Superintendent Damaris Rau said she made the decision to cancel McCaskey Campusâ rendition of âHairspray,â based on the 1988 film and subsequent hit musical of the same name. While the overall theme is about inclusion, Rau said, the musical uses inappropriate language that isnât fit for students, especially now.
âThis is not the appropriate time to put on a musical like this,â Rau said, referring to the racial strife over the summer as well as the mental health impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on children.