When does Democratic get Chaotic?

I observed a teacher in training making an activity choice with her students the other day. She asked them to complete an assignment, then a student said he would prefer to do another task instead. She responded immediately by saying "okay, how many would rather do what student X just said?" Most put their hands up and she let them do the task that was not prescribed by her. 

A number of issues to consider: 

a. is the teacher mindful of process or afraid to assert her direction? 

b. is the student avoiding responsibility or simply choosing to take responsibility in a different way? 

c. is the teacher letting students override her goals for the lesson or is she anticipating choice AND setting the parameters for reasonable choice? 

d. is the teacher wanting to please or accommodating different but equally valid choices? 

It was my judgment in this situation that the teacher did not think through the implications of letting a student divert the task. It appeared indecisive and lacked justification. 

Inclusive? Holiday Concert

I was speaking to an Associate Teacher today while the teacher in training was winding up her lesson. Mrs. S was impressed with the teacher candidate involvement in the holiday concert last night. The student teacher had rehearsed a French song with the students and led their performance of the song during the concert. But Mrs. S went on to say how difficult it is for her to hope in the future of our schools in view of the direction of inclusion. The word "Christmas" and songs related to the traditional Christmas were not included, but reference to Ramadan and other cultural festivities were celebrated. She mentioned that in her opinion the freedom of access to education and freedom of religion are part of a Christian heritage and set of mores and laws. Why exclude the Christian celebration then? It seems the dominant religion of the past, though having its faults, is now silenced such that the strength of its tenets are lost. 

The Judgment Call

Student teacher Al had the unique experience of working with Mr. P, a grade 8 teacher who had volunteered to take the misbehaving boys in the other grade 8 classes and teaching them all together in his class. His style was democratic and project-based, which seemed to work well with these boys. 
One day Mr. P was away. It was Al's first experience managing the class on his own on his first practicum. A supply teacher came in and the instructions were for Al to do the teaching. The supply teacher would be there for support and of course, for legal purposes as Al was not yet a certified teacher. 
When Al brought the class to the music room to be taught by the regular itinerant music teacher, the boys did not all respond very well. The music teacher Mr. Z's style was more regimented. They typically acted up more in music class because of this. One boy beat the drum while Mr. Z was giving instructions. This prompted a swift "Go to the office!" from Mr. Z and the firm request: "Mr. T (Al), please escort this student to the office! He needs to see the principal for being so rude!" 
Al went into the hall with Jamal. The supply teacher remained in the music room. He made a judgment call. He whispered "I'm not going to take you to the office. Let's go for a short walk and come back to the classroom. I saw what happened. I won't tell Mr. Z. okay?" 
Upon Mr. P's return the next day, Al told him what had happened and how he had handled the situation....
What should Mr. P say to Al?