NC Teacher Reprimanded for Playing Macklemore's 'Same Love'

A teacher from North Carolina was reportedly disciplined after showing the music video for Macklemore and Ryan Lewis' marriage equality hit "Same Love" to students, according to the Taylorsville (North Carolina) Times.

Dr. Jeff Peal, the Alexander County Schools associate superintendent, told the local newspaper that school finds the rap duo's gay marriage song "inappropriate" and "outside the bounds of the curriculum." He added that the teacher who showed the clip was reprimanded but has returned to teaching.

The Huffington Post reached out to school officials about the incident, but administration did not respond.

The reports do not specifically state how the teacher was disciplined.

"Same Love" earned Macklemore and Ryan Lewis a Moonman award at this year's MTV Video Music Awards for Best Song With a Social Message.

A situation that mirrors this incident occurred in November 2012 when Susan Johnson, a Detroit-area middle school teacher, says she was suspended for playing "Same Love" during class. A student reportedly took issue with the track's message and reported Johnson to the school's administration. She was suspended without pay.

After she made national headlines, however, the American Civil Liberties Union and other community members came to her defense, criticizing the school's actions.

"I am willing to not uphold the suspension, but the violation of the district practice regarding web-based clips and our expectations for instructions previewing materials under this will remain in writing," William Pearson, Centennial Middle School's superintendent said in a statement.

Though Johnson was reinstated she said feels the incident is "hanging over me, this anxiety."

Check out the video for "Same Love" below: