The kinds of disciplinary infractions that merit immediate removal are physical violence, threats and sexually inappropriate behavior, Trujillo said.

District spokeswoman Karla Escamilla said that although several songs were given to the class to analyze, “It Was A Good Day” is the only song being investigated.

Parents were divided on the decision to send the students home with rap lyrics, according to KOLD’s reporting.

One parent complained that it was inappropriate, while another said they understood the teachers’ desire to connect with students through song.

The district released a statement that read, in part, “Assistant Superintendent Richard Sanchez and Utterback Middle School Principal (Taranika) Sanders are addressing the issue with the teacher in question and making sure the district follows all due process procedures outlined for our employees.”

TUSD Board Member Adelita Grijalva said she didn’t want to judge the teachers’ methods without knowing the full context of the assignment.

But she noted that the teacher was identified as very popular with students, and said using song lyrics to engage students can be a successful teaching method, if it’s done in an age-appropriate way.