As Greg points out below, Exurban League has the official statement from the Burlington, N.J., school district addressing this controversy:
Dear Burlington Township Families:
Today we became aware of a video that was placed on the internet which has been reported in the media. The video is of a class of students singing a song about President Obama. The activity took place during Black History Month in 2009, which is recognized each February to honor the contributions of African Americans to our country. Our curriculum studies, honors and recognizes those who serve our country. The recording and distribution of the class activity were unauthorized.If you have any further questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me or Dr. King, Principal of B. Bernice Young School, directly.
Sincerely,Dr. Christopher M. Manno,
Superintendent of Schools
“Unauthorized” recordings? That’s what draws the ire of Dr. Manno? Not the mandatory Obamallelujahs from the lips of 7-year-olds in a public school? This is precisely the type of willful idiocy that will further inflame parents in the district and keep the story alive. Way to go, champ.
Perhaps the lefty superintendent and the teacher(s) responsible for this performance are just borrowing tactics from the ACORN playbook: When caught red-handed, shoot the messenger. I hope the person who recorded this footage has a good lawyer. Good grief.
Here’s the video again, minus the ominous background music.
Michelle Malkin has been covering this story closely and has more details.