I don't think they were cowardly at all.   No matter what decision they made, they would lose.   Their decision was a response to a YOUNG African-American student who felt uncomfortable with the memories that the song brings out.   To respect that students right, and at the same time respect the rights of all the students, I feel deserves to be applauded - not called "cowardly".   The girl in question is 11 years old. Without knowing the students, I would bet good money that the remaining students did not feel any lose at not singing the song, and if it made just ONE child feel comfortable without upsetting the others, they did the right thing. There is absolutely no need to use children as political footballs.

Guest, I think you are wrong to say that the school "didn't seem to take into account the fact that most folk songs have purposes behind them". I think that is just the opposite of their point - as Zumsteg said "Folk music is one way for people to remember events that occurred in their history and their culture." I'm glad they recognize that fact.   As you yourself said, it is probably not appropriate to teach them Strange Fruit at that age, but they have to start somewhere. They made a choice for ONE song and they caused this controversy.

How do they approach their musical teaching? If you read the speech, I think it is wonderful to hear that they are teaching folk music in the schools.   Many schools avoid it these days, sad to say.   Good for them for giving it a shot.