N.Y.C. Private School That JFK Jr. Attended Faces Controversy for ‘Cruel’ Border Patrol Senior Prank

Collegiate School in NYC, Attended by JFK Jr., Receives Criticism for Border Patrol Prank

The prestigious Collegiate School in Manhattan, located in the Upper West Side, is facing backlash following a senior prank that unfolded like a border patrol checkpoint. As reported recently, a mariachi band played outside the school premises while students waved American flags during the controversial event that took place on May 1. The incident has sparked a wave of criticism aimed at the school and the students involved in the prank.

The senior prank, a long-standing tradition at Collegiate, took a troubling turn this year as students recreated a border patrol checkpoint within the school’s lobby. The setup included a cardboard booth with caution tape, where arriving students were asked to present their “papers,” resembling a U.S. Border Patrol inspection. Senior officials at Collegiate have issued an apology for the controversial prank, acknowledging the negative impact it has had on the school community.

The scene at Collegiate’s lobby on the day of the prank also featured an inflatable eagle on a motorcycle and the display of U.S. and Texas flags at the entrance, adding to the contentious nature of the event. Additionally, a mariachi band performed outside the school, further stirring emotions among students, teachers, and parents. The incident drew mixed reactions from witnesses, with some expressing shock and outrage over the insensitivity displayed during the prank.

Members of the “UWS Mommas” Facebook group raised concerns about the incident, with some condemning the actions of the seniors involved. One commenter highlighted the humiliation felt by Latino students who were subjected to the border patrol simulation. Calls for repercussions against the students responsible were echoed within the online community, with demands for transparency and accountability from school authorities.

In response to the widespread criticism, Collegiate’s head of school, Bodie Brizendine, addressed the issue in an email to the school community. Brizendine revealed that the senior prank had initially been approved and themed around the Fourth of July but had veered off course during execution. She reassured parents and students that conversations were underway with those involved in the incident, emphasizing the values of inclusivity and respect at the institution.

Collegiate School, with a rich history dating back to the early 1600s, boasts a notable list of alumni that includes JFK Jr., David Duchovny, Peter Bogdanovich, and Edgar Bronfman Jr. The elite, all-boys school has a current student population of 670 and commands an annual tuition fee of $65,900. The controversy stemming from the recent senior prank has highlighted the importance of fostering a culture of tolerance and understanding within educational institutions.

As the fallout from the border patrol prank continues to unfold, the Collegiate School community is grappling with the implications of the incident and working towards healing and reconciliation. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for sensitivity and awareness in interactions within diverse communities, particularly in educational settings. Leaders at Collegiate are committed to addressing the concerns raised and fostering a more inclusive environment moving forward.

In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the senior prank at Collegiate School has sparked a conversation about respect and cultural sensitivity within academic institutions. The repercussions of the incident are a poignant reminder of the importance of promoting understanding and empathy among students and upholding values of inclusivity and acceptance within the school community.