I don't know if the "just play it" crowd is in a community like yours. And we don't know your community. But it's clear that you do.

As an old-timer, I'll give this piece of advice....pick your battles wisely. Go with your gut like DJ said, and go pick another song that fits the same musical needs as the two you've mentioned. There's no reason to intentionally venture into a controversy if you can avoid it. There are too many options out there that gives you and your students a chance to focus on the musicmaking instead of being burdened with the distractions of political issues.