School Play Will Keep 'N-Word,' Restore Other Words

INDIANAPOLIS -- A school play that was set to include a racial slur but exclude other potentially offensive words will now use them all, the superintendent of Perry Township schools said Tuesday.

The decision came after ministers and others called for the cancellation of Perry Meridian High School's production of "Ragtime." The play's opponents objected to the school's plans to keep the "N-word" in the script, and they noted that the school had censored words referring to a sex act and taking God's name in vain.

Superintendent H. Douglas Williams told reporters Tuesday that the play will go on as scheduled this week, and that the N-word and all of the previously censored words will be used in order to be fair.

Williams, who is white, has defended the script's use of the N-word, saying the play makes a statement against racism.

"The people who say this is racially insensitive have not witnessed the production," Williams said. "I don’t know anybody who could see this production -- well-performed as it will be at Perry Meridian High School -- who would not come away feeling there was a powerful message."

Williams said he asked the 65 student cast members Tuesday morning whether they wanted to go forward with the play. All said yes, Williams said.

Margie Oakley, who is black and is a member of a ministers' group that has opposed the play, said the students' desires to keep the production don't mean much.

"Naturally they want to be in the play. These are students -- kids. Kids don't always make the best or smartest decisions," Oakley said.

The ministers' group, Concerned Clergy, said it will hold a prayer vigil to protest the school's decision. The group said it will not disrupt the production or try to prevent people from attending.

Oakley blasted the decision to use the N-word in the play.

"It's wrong. It's hateful. They need to understand the history, and they don't," Oakley said.

The play is scheduled to run Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.