The movie was called ‘Strange World’
Jenna Barbee, a 5th class teacher from Florida says she is under investigation by the state for showing an animated Disney movie featuring a biracial and gay character in her class.
The teacher of one-year took to TikTok to explain the situation and was met with an over-whelming amount of support from viewers.
Jenna played ‘Strange World’ for her students and she captioned it: “I am the teacher that is under investigation with the Florida Department of Education for indoctrination for showing a Disney movie.”
She went on to explain why she wanted to play that particular movie to her class.
The Disney movie correlated with her students’ Earth science lesson, the teacher said.
The movie also doesn’t have any sexual scenes or fowl language – it’s a Disney movie, for children.
In her TikTok that now has over 6.3 million views, Jenna said: “The word indoctrination is thrown around a lot right now.
“But, it seems that those who are using it are using it as a defence tactic for their own fear-based beliefs without understanding the true meaning of the word.”
Jenna continued and said she had parents sign a permission slip before showing the kids the movie but after it was shown, one person reported her because the movie featured a gay character.
@becomingabetterbarbee I am the teacher. Here is the truth. #indoctrination #disneymovie #disney #strangeworld #viraltweet ♬ original sound – Jenna Lynn
People were quick to support the teacher.
As a result of that complaint, the school banned the movie from ever been shown again and Jenna was put under investigation.
The school district said to CNN: “The Disney movie ‘Strange World’ was shown in your child’s classroom.
“While not the main plot of the movie, parts of the story involves a male character 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 reviewing the matter to see if further action is required.”
The backlash comes as a new law was introduced in Florida prohibiting teachers from discussing any kind of LGBTQ+ issue.
Many viewers flooded to Jenna’s video with words of support.
One person wrote: “Strange world is an amazing movie.”
Another said: “Florida is really a horrible place. I’m so sorry you’re going through this.”
This person wrote: “I’m proud of you and I thank you for standing up. If it had to happen to anyone I’m glad it happened to someone so strong, intelligent, and kind.”
