Manhattan's Collegiate School Seniors Spark Outrage with Xenophobic Prank, Celebratory Events Canceled

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.

The prank, which occurred on an established "Senior Prank Day" with an intended Fourth of July theme, instead turned predatory against the school's declaration of principles around diversity, equity, and belonging. A mariachi band hired by the pranksters, as noted by a New York Post report, added to an already confusing and insensitive spectacle that one parent described in a social media thread as potentially "humiliating" for Latino students.

While the school's administration has yet to issue a public response to requests for comment, Bodie Brizendine, Head of the School, shared in an email to parents and staff, regret over the prank's direction. Teachers, as reported by Gothamist, called for more decisive action against the 15 or so seniors believed to be the primary instigators out of the over 50-member graduating class. As the school community and alumni, including notable figures like JFK Jr. and 'X-Files' actor David Duchovny, reflect on the values of their historic institution, the question hangs in the air about the real lessons learned from this ill-judged escapade.