The principal of a high school in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has been replaced and multiple employees have been put on administrative leave as the district investigates a drag queen show that took place during prom. The chief of Albuquerque Public Schools, Channell Segura, sent a letter to parents confirming the performance occurred during the prom and stated that an investigation would determine how it happened and how it may have affected students. The replacement of Atrisco Heritage Academy High School’s principal was not confirmed whether it was related to the drag performance.
In a video on TikTok, students can be seen gathering around the performer in thigh-high black boots and a matching body suit, as the performer is seen bending over, squatting, and dancing provocatively. NBC News affiliate KOB 4 in Albuquerque identified the performer as drag queen Mythica Sahreen, who stated that he previously worked with the Gay-Straight Alliance and was invited to perform at the prom. However, he did not disclose who invited him. The school’s official Facebook page received several comments expressing disappointment and frustration over the performance, with some posters calling for staff members who were aware of the show to be fired immediately.
Some commenters on the school’s Facebook page criticized the performance, describing it as morally corrupt and representing grooming and predatory behavior. The reaction to the performance on social media suggested that many in the community were shocked and upset by the event. School district spokesperson Martin Salazar declined to provide further details on whether the performance was approved by school officials or how many staff members were placed on leave in connection with the incident. The district named Anthony Lovato as the acting principal in place of the former principal, Irene Cisneros.
It remains unclear whether the angered posters on Facebook were parents of students at the school or members of the community. The controversy surrounding the drag queen performance at prom has sparked a larger conversation about appropriate entertainment at school events and the role of staff members in overseeing such performances. Some have questioned the judgment of school officials in allowing the performance to take place, while others have defended the right of students to be exposed to diverse forms of expression and entertainment.
The investigation into the drag queen performance at the high school in Albuquerque continues, with Segura and other school officials working to determine the circumstances surrounding the event and its impact on the student body. The replacement of the principal and the placement of multiple staff members on administrative leave signal the seriousness with which the district is taking the situation. Moving forward, it is likely that policies and procedures regarding entertainment and guest performers at school events will be reviewed and potentially revised to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
As the community grapples with the fallout from the drag queen performance at prom, there are differing opinions on whether the event was appropriate and the response by school officials has been adequate. Some believe that the performance was inappropriate and unacceptable for a school event, while others argue that students should be exposed to a variety of perspectives and forms of entertainment. The ongoing investigation and changes in school leadership indicate that the district is taking the concerns of parents and community members seriously and is working to address the situation in a timely and effective manner.
