Is This Real Life? Marilyn Monroe Themed Drag Show At Staten Island Special Needs School
There is a saying that reality is often stranger than fiction. Regardless of your political opinions, if you were asked 20 years ago what kind of performance would be put on for a special needs school. Not many people would have said a Marilyn Monroe themed drag show. However, this is what happened earlier this month in New York city.
A special-needs school on Staten Island is facing criticism for allowing a teacher to perform a controversial skit at a talent show in front of young disabled students. The act, which took place on June 22 at the Richard H. Hungerford School, involved a male educator dressed in drag, performing a racy Marilyn Monroe-themed routine. The teacher wore a white dress and mimicked a famous scene from Monroe’s movie “The Seven Year Itch,” where the skirt blows up in the air, exposing the underwear.
The Department of Education has initiated an investigation into the incident following public outrage. Educators and parents expressed their shock and disapproval of the act on social media, condemning the performance as inappropriate for the students. Some questioned the consequences if a DOE employee were to exhibit similar behavior in front of students, emphasizing the need for action to be taken.
A video posted on Instagram captured the paraprofessional school staffer, William Boyle, dancing on stage to Sheryl Crow’s song “A Change Would Do You Good” before changing into a Monroe-inspired dress and wig. During the act, Boyle’s skirt was blown upward, revealing his underwear.
Parents of the special-needs students expressed concern, noting that the children may not fully understand or grasp the situation, and they felt it was inappropriate to expose them to such content. There were worries about the potential impact on the students’ behavior, as they often mimic and imitate what they see.
Local politicians also expressed their shock and disbelief, calling the performance unacceptable considering the young and vulnerable audience.
The school staff involved, including William Boyle and Principal Kristin McHugh, have not yet responded to requests for comment.
The Richard H. Hungerford School is dedicated to providing rigorous and individualized educational programs to students with significant challenges and diverse learning styles. However, the controversial performance has raised questions about the school’s adherence to its stated mission.
The New York City Special Commissioner of Investigation, an independent watchdog for city schools, acknowledged the allegation and pledged to handle the matter appropriately.
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