I would explain how important diversity and culture are. I would also discuss the fact that mermaids are not real and therefore any disagreement of their race is not valid because they don't exist, so the race of the actor or actress playing them should not anger students. Having a multicultural classroom involves respect and while it may be a little uncomfortable at times, it creates opportunities for growth and education. While students have the right to free speech, as a teacher, it is also your job to teach them to be kind and inclusive and respectful, and that means watching what they say. Good luck!

I would bring this up to your students and let them know how inappropriate that is. Explain that mermaids, although they are not real, are not all one race just like we are not. You could tie in literature to this and show the different portrayals of other popular characters too.

I would use this as a multicultural education teaching point. Try using some literature.

I would talk to them and let them know that everyone is different and thats perfectly okay! No one wants to live in a perfect world and if we didnt have diversity it would not make life as fun and enjoyable as it is!

I would talk to students about how many movies are remade, this includes a change up in cast members, costumes and songs. That remakes are great because the original movie is still out here but that alternative remakes are a great way to re-introduce old/new characters. Tell students they have the option not to see the new movie. Just like film makers and actors have the right to be creative and make new movies that are more inclusive to more people.

I would talk about the history of diversity and how skin color does not make a human any different from another human.

Educate, educate, educate! You are the catalyst for change. EDUCATE!

Show your students a presentation on why diversity is a good thing, in order to teach them and convince them why petitioning the movie is wrong.

Depending on their age (I am assuming elementary, because of Disney) I would incorporate diverse literature. You could also bring up other princesses, such as Tiana, Esmerelda, Moana, and Jasmine. If they can all be princesses then why can't Ariel be played by an actress of a different race/culture. This is a good lesson that will hopefully explain to your students the importance of diversity.

While mermaids as we know aren't real, the issue here lies with a character being changed into a different race than it was originally created as. This shouldn't bother people in the slightest though. Realizing we are all human regardless of what we look like is what is important. Humans seem to get so hung up on appearance that we forget that we are all the same. I would try incorporating this idealogy into the classroom.

I would start with a class discussion then if nothing changes address the problem with the principle.

Address to the students in an open discussion to figure out where their thought processes are coming from so that you can tackle the issue at the core. In a non-confrontational manner, make sure that these students realize the weight of their actions.

I would talk to the students about how it is important for everyone to be represented in the media positively

Let the students know that it is not an appropriate topic for school. They should keep their opinions to themselves, because they have the potential to hurt each other's feelings.