Paradise Valley USD music students learn song about a gay bar
Paradise Valley Unified School District (PVUSD) elementary students learned a song about a gay bar during music class. On December 3, 2025, Arizona Daily Independent [ADI] reported:
“A newly-hired teacher with Desert Trails Elementary School…taught students to play ‘Pink Pony Club’ by pop artist Chappell Roan, as first reported by [ADI]. Following parent complaints to the school and ADI’s reporting, parents reported seeing an increase in the number of Pride-themed posters around campus…
“The song describes leaving the conservative, Christian south for the LGBTQ+-friendly community of California, sprinkled with references to drag queens and sexual activity. ‘Pink pony’ is also used in some circles as slang for male genitalia.”
PVUSD music teacher Jerry “Michael” Nanney claimed he did not know about the song’s origins or popularity even though reports indicate he posted about drag queens on social media. PVUSD parents say they were not informed ahead of time about Nanney’s music lesson and did not have the choice to opt their children out.
If these allegations are true, Nanney—and PVUSD by extension—broke federal and state laws that protect parental rights on school grounds. Nanney and the district may have also violated the recent Supreme Court ruling that reinforces parents’ rights to opt elementary-school-aged children out of instruction that includes LGBTQ+ themes.
A play along version of the song can be heard below.
According to AZ Free News, PVUSD officials investigated the incident and determined allowed Nanney to return to class if he “promised” to abide by parental rights notification policies going forward.
As of publication, Nanney remains an active employee at Desert Trails Elementary School.
In other news, PVUSD Superintendent Dr. Todd Cummings was placed on leave for allegedly withholding information on his district application and misrepresenting himself to the governing board. Details about Cummings’ job performance as well as allegations from his previous school district can be heard in the ABC 15 News report below.
Although he was hired in July 2025, Cummings must now appeal PVUSD’s forthcoming decision to terminate his $230,000 contract.
The School Board Integrity Project will continue monitoring the Paradise Valley Unified School District. Please send tips and updates to info@rpredu.org.
