A senior prank at the prestigious Collegiate School on the Upper West Side of New York City has ignited a heated debate about racism and how schools should handle acts that may cross the line between tradition and insensitivity.
The elite school, which claims to be the oldest in the United States, is now grappling with the fallout from a prank that featured a mock border patrol checkpoint in the school’s lobby, causing offense among students, faculty, and the broader community.
The Prank: A Mock Border Patrol
The controversial prank took place last Thursday when several senior students set up a cardboard booth surrounded by caution tape in the school’s lobby, asking their classmates for “papers” as they entered the building.
The scene was further accentuated by an inflatable eagle riding a motorcycle and decorations including American and Texas flags. Outside the school, a live mariachi band performed, while other students waved American flags.
Although the prank seemed to be in the spirit of a Fourth of July theme, it quickly sparked concern among members of the school community. Some students, teachers, and staff viewed the setup as a disturbing reminder of anti-immigrant sentiment, and the event raised questions about the boundaries of school traditions, particularly when they involve race and cultural sensitivity.
Accusations of Racism and Harassment
A faculty member, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, expressed frustration over the prank and its apparent racial undertones. In a complaint submitted to the school’s leadership, the staff member accused the prank of perpetuating racist stereotypes and harassing people of color. “This event smacked of racism,” the staffer wrote, urging administrators to hold the students accountable for what was described as an inappropriate and hurtful prank.
The controversy has also been discussed on local social media platforms, including the UWS Mommas Facebook group, where commenters called the prank “bizarre” and in poor taste. The incident triggered debates about whether such a prank, which touches on immigration issues, is appropriate in the current political climate.
School Response: Apology and Reflection
In a statement emailed to the school community, Head of School Bodie Brizendine acknowledged the prank had been approved with a Fourth of July theme in mind, but it “unfortunately strayed from that plan.” She expressed regret over the event, calling it “inappropriate, humiliating, and hurtful” and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to ensuring every community member is valued.
Brizendine also stated that administrators were engaging with the students involved to discuss what transpired, emphasizing that the senior class does not reflect the values of the school as a whole. She assured the community that more information would follow regarding how the school planned to handle the situation. “We regret that this ‘prank’ took the turn that it did,” Brizendine said in the email.
However, some staff members were critical of the administration’s response. They argued that this incident was not simply an innocent prank but a demonstration of anti-immigrant rhetoric, and that the students involved should have been more aware of the current political climate, especially regarding issues related to immigrants and minorities.
Background of Collegiate School and Its Controversies
Collegiate School, which was founded in the 1600s by Dutch colonists, has a long history of academic excellence and is known for its rigorous curriculum. However, the school has faced scrutiny in recent years over various controversies related to diversity and inclusion.
Last year, the school’s previous head of school resigned after an internal report uncovered issues with antisemitism, Islamophobia, and bias, particularly in the wake of the October 7 attacks in Israel and the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.
New head of school Bodie Brizendine, who took over in summer 2024, was tasked with navigating these challenges and improving the school’s climate. Brizendine, formerly the head of the all-girls Spence School, is now facing additional scrutiny over how the institution addresses matters of racial sensitivity, particularly in light of the senior prank incident.
The Role of Senior Pranks in School Culture
Senior pranks have long been a tradition in schools across the country, often seen as a rite of passage for graduating students. However, this prank raises important questions about how far such pranks should go, especially when they touch on sensitive social and political issues.
What was intended as a lighthearted gesture may have crossed a line, igniting conversations about how schools should address actions that could be seen as harmful or exclusionary.
What’s Next for Collegiate School?
The fallout from this senior prank has created a larger conversation about cultural sensitivity and accountability within educational institutions. As Collegiate School works through this controversy, it will likely have to confront how to balance tradition with the need for inclusivity and respect for all students. The response to this incident will be closely watched by the community, parents, and education experts alike.
While the prank may have been intended as a joke, the wider conversation it has sparked about immigration, racial issues, and school responsibility remains an important one. As the school seeks to address the concerns raised, it will be critical to ensure that future events uphold the values of inclusivity and respect.
