A Coney Island principal is creating an uproar for reportedly banning a patriotic song at her elementary school.
According to published reports, Greta Hawkins will not allow kindergarteners at P.S. 90 to sing "God Bless the USA," also known as "Proud to be an American," at their moving up ceremony because it could offend other cultures at the diverse school.
Students will now be singing Justin Beiber's "Baby," a change supported by schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott and many parents. However, other parents are angry and say they're still waiting for a response from the school.
Congressman Bob Turner (R-Brooklyn/Queens) released a statement about Hawkins saying, "Her decision was a violation of First Amendment rights and has no place in our public education system. She should immediately issue an apology to the families of P.S. 90 and be reprimanded for her actions."