It’s been revealed that fifth-grade teacher Jenna Barbee has been placed under investigation for screening a Disney film during class. The film just so happens to be the 2022 animated feature Strange World.
For those unfamiliar with the film, and why it would place Barbee in such hot water, it’s due to the film’s more inclusive elements. The film happens to feature a subplot in which two young men have a gay romance together. As such, one parent has complained, and the Florida Department of Education is now investigating the matter.
As noted via CNN, Jenna Barbee explained the situation herself on TikTok. Here’s what she shared with her followers:
@becomingabetterbarbee I am the teacher. Here is the truth. #indoctrination #disneymovie #disney #strangeworld #viraltweet ♬ original sound – Jenna Lynn
The movie was chosen for the class because they had a half-day after completing their standardized testing. In an effort to show the movie, which is rated PG, Barbee had parents sign permission slips to allow their students to watch the film. But, as mentioned, one parent continued to complain and reported Barbee to the state Department of Education. This particular parent also happens to be a member of the Hernando County School District Board.
The school district continued to release the following statement to parents as shared via CNN:
“Yesterday, the Disney movie ‘Strange World’ was shown in your child’s classroom,” the school district said. “While not the main plot of the movie, parts of the story involves a male character having and expressing feelings for another male character. In the future, this movie will not be shown. The school administration and the district’s Professional Standards Dept is currently reviewing the matter to see if further corrective action is required.”
Barbee later released another statement, saying:
“I was never trying to indoctrinate my students by showing them something that had differences and diversity. I was showing them a movie that related to our curriculum and our Earth, that also taught many valuable life lessons that also correlate to our Florida best standards.”
It’s worth noting that the issue with the film seems to be tied directly to Florida’s HB 1557 bill. The law bans discussions regarding sexuality and gender identity in the classroom. Though many – including Disney themselves – have been attempting to fight the law. As such, we’ll have to see how this situation develops.
Stay tuned to ScreenGeek for any additional updates as we have them.