Perry’s annual elementary school concert was disrupted Thursday evening when an adult male began chanting out loud.

The outburst reportedly happened early in the concert, as a Spanish translation was being offered during the opening of the program. An adult man, stood up and began shouting “U.S.A. English Only.” Repeatedly before being escorted out of the auditorium by school staff.

Superintendent Lynn Ubben says she commends staff who attended the concert and were quick to respond appropriately to the unfortunate disruption.  “We live in a diverse/people rich community that values all people and our children truly are our most precious resource.” Ubben added “As our elementary music instructor so eloquently said, ‘Our children don’t see color, they just see their friends.’”

Overall, Ubben says staff members handled the situation well and “quickly turned the focus back to the kids… as it should be.”

She thanked the staff for advocating for both the kids and the community.