JCPS Chief Ordered Cancellation of Manual High School's 'Ragtime' Over Racial Slurs, Emails Reveal

Emails obtained by the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting show that Nathan Balasubramanian, the new Chief Academic Officer of Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS), unilaterally ordered the cancellation of duPont Manual High School's Youth Performing Arts School (YPAS) production of 'Ragtime' in August. The decision, made over objections to racial slurs in the script, was reversed within 12 hours after a viral social media post and public outrage. JCPS spokesperson Barnard Baker had claimed the show was not cancelled but that a 'miscommunication' occurred during a review process. However, board member Linda Duncan's emails contradict this, stating that Balasubramanian 'went rogue' and that neither he nor his subordinate, Kim Morales, had the authority to cancel the production. Duncan confirmed to KyCIR that Balasubramanian directed Morales to call Manual's principal, Michael Newman, to cancel the show. The emails also reveal dysfunction in the district's leadership, with Morales expressing frustration at being left out of the decision-making process and Yearwood admonishing her to respect the chain of command. Some parents had concerns about the musical's use of the N-word and other ethnic slurs, but the show ultimately went on as planned. The incident raises questions about honesty and control within JCPS under new leadership.