Last week, an ill-conceived prank at Manhattan’s elite Collegiate School, where tuition fees soar up to $65,900 a year, stoked controversy after seniors created a false border patrol scenario. As reported by Gothamist, the school’s lobby was transformed into a mock checkpoint where underclassmen were asked to present fake naturalization papers and some were symbolically detained with zip ties.
An assortment of inappropriate gestures accompanied the prank, including the display of lewd images of a former administrator and the planting of fake cocaine on some students. The senior pranksters’ actions to quickly draw down heavy criticism from staff and parents alike who termed the event as ‘racist,’ ‘xenophobic,’ and ‘misogynistic.’ Teachers especially, in statements obtained by Gothamist, imparted they felt that the environment of ‘brotherhood’ prevalent in the all-boys school might have perpetuated the incident, reducing accountability amongst the students involved.
Responding to the incident, Head of Upper School Andrew Prince canceled several senior celebratory events, as per an email to staff obtained by Gothamist, and shared that discussions were underway with the grade and individuals to address the “real harm that was caused.” Prince also mentioned the possibility of apologies being issued and amends made, highlighting a desire to still end the school year with positivity for those seniors not part of the prank…