A well-known all-boys school in New York City, Collegiate School, is facing strong criticism after a senior prank went too far. The prank, which took place in the school’s lobby, involved a fake border patrol checkpoint, and many in the school community found it offensive and upsetting.
What Happened at Collegiate School?
Collegiate School, located on the Upper West Side and known for its elite status and high tuition, found itself in hot water when students from the graduating class set up what looked like a border patrol checkpoint. Students dressed in American flag-themed outfits reportedly asked others to “show their papers” as they entered the building.
According to reports from The Gothamist, the prank shocked many students, staff, and even parents. In addition to the mock checkpoint, there were decorations including an inflatable eagle riding a motorcycle, American and Texas flags, and a live mariachi band playing outside the school.
A staff member described the setup as a cardboard booth wrapped in caution tape. For many, the entire scene was not funny at all—it was disturbing. Some called it racist and said it felt like harassment, especially toward Latino students.
Community Reaction: Confusion, Anger, and Concern
Photos of the prank were shared in a private Facebook group called UWS Mommas. People described the scene as “bizarre” and in very poor taste. One commenter asked, “What was going on at Collegiate School this morning?” Others pointed out how uncomfortable the experience must have been for immigrant students or those from minority backgrounds.
One person said, “If that’s a prank, it’s in serious poor taste at the moment, and needs following up.” Another said it was humiliating for Latino students, who had to go through a checkpoint just to enter school.
It’s unclear how long the prank lasted or how many students were involved, but the damage seems to have been done.
What the School Said
Bodie Brizendine, the head of Collegiate School, said the school had approved a senior prank day with a “Fourth of July” theme. However, she admitted that some students took it too far. In a statement, she said there were moments during the prank that were “inappropriate, humiliating and hurtful.”
She also emphasized that the prank does not represent the school’s values. “We have an excellent senior class, and yesterday’s events do not reflect who we are as a school,” Brizendine said. “We regret that this prank took the turn that it did.”
Brizendine confirmed that she and other school leaders are speaking directly to the students involved.
Deeper Concerns About the Message Behind the Prank
Not everyone was satisfied with the school’s response. A staff member told The Gothamist that this wasn’t just a joke gone wrong. They called it a clear example of anti-immigrant behavior and said the seniors should have known better, especially given the serious political climate right now.
“These students are not little kids,” the staffer said. “They should understand how something like this can hurt people, especially immigrants and students of color.”
While senior pranks are meant to be fun traditions to celebrate the end of high school, they can easily cross the line. What happened at Collegiate School is a reminder that actions—even those meant as jokes—can have serious effects on others. Respect, understanding, and awareness of different cultures and backgrounds should always come first, especially in schools where all students deserve to feel safe and welcome.
