Moon has been working on a biographical report for her language arts class. Although she’s doing a marvelous job on it, she won’t be surprised if she gets an F. See, when her teacher explained the assignment, she said, “…and of course, some people would be inappropriate choices as subject matter for this.” When a student asked, “Like who?” the teacher answered, “Well, like Kurt Cobain.”

Moon was stunned, because she had actually been thinking about doing her report on him. During Christmas break, she looked at various other possibilities but kept coming back to him. Her teacher hadn’t mentioned anyone else by name, and hadn’t explained her reasoning.

Anyway, Moon decided to go ahead and do her research. She felt her teacher was being unfair, and Pete and I told her we would support her as long as she does the work. Well, Moon talked with her teacher, and the decision was that Moon could study Cobain but not present her material to the class. She’d be marked down for not presenting. But today, her teacher approached her and said that she had changed her mind. I decided to email her…

I hope you had an enjoyable break. I’m writing to you regarding Moon’s biography report assignment — I understand that her choice of material has posed a problem, and I would like to discuss it with you. (I tried to call the school, but it was already after 4:30 p.m. and no one answered.) Perhaps we can talk tomorrow or Thursday.

First, I do want you to know that Moon did not ask me to intervene in any way. I asked her permission to contact you to let you know that she has the best of intentions as she completes her assignment. As a student rock musician (playing bass guitar), she has become familiar with Nirvana’s music. She will be playing “Smells Like Teen Spirit” later this month in a group event sponsored by Good ‘n Loud Music.

Moon had been considering researching Kurt Cobain all along, and was surprised that he would be considered an inappropriate choice. During Christmas break she did some additional reading about Cobain and decided to pursue using him as her subject matter. We talked about possible reasons why you might have brought up his name — particularly the manner in which he died, and his history of substance abuse. However, there are many other historical figures (such as Adolph Hitler and Alexander the Great) whose actions were not necessarily admirable.

Moon feels that Cobain is an example of how drugs can lead to ruin and cut short an artist’s potential. She felt that perhaps you might reconsider your “ban” on Cobain in light of this.

Yesterday, she told us that she would be allowed to report on Cobain but not allowed to make a presentation in front of the class. She said that her grade would be lowered as a result, and that she was willing to accept that consequence.

However, when she called me after school today, she mentioned that you had decided not to accept Cobain as the subject for her report. She indicated that if she turns in a report on Cobain, the highest score she can expect to earn is 50 percent, which is failing.

Naturally, she is disappointed, as she is prepared to do the work that is required for the project. In fact, she plans to put her best effort into the project, even knowing that the quality of her work will not be rewarded.

I respect your decision; however, I would appreciate a more detailed explanation as to why you have made it. Please call me at your convenience. My work phone number is (number). After 5 p.m., you can reach me at home.

Thank you for listening. I know we both have Moon’s best interests at heart. She is a remarkable young woman.

It’ll be interesting to see what happens. I’m proud that Moon is standing up for what she believes.

UDPDATE: The teacher called and said that she is going to grade Moon’s report on its merit, but not allow her to present it to the class…which was her original decision on Monday. It will not be an automatic failure.