The firing of a high school principal in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the entertainment offered to minors at a recent prom. Irene Cisneros, the principal at Atrisco Heritage Academy High School, was terminated amid an investigation into a drag queen performance at the event on April 20. As a result of the ongoing investigation by the Albuquerque Public Schools District, several staff members at the school have also been placed on administrative leave.
The incident in question involved a drag queen performing provocative dances as students circled around him. The performer, who appeared to be approaching and dancing in a suggestive manner just inches away from students, made many students visibly uncomfortable. A video of the performance, which has since been shared on social media, has sparked widespread outrage and disbelief.
Students who attended the prom were interviewed by local news outlets, and many expressed their disappointment and discomfort with the performance. They reported that the performance was not appropriate for a school event and came as a surprise to many. It seemed as though the performance was planned ahead of time, although students were unsure who invited or approved of the drag queen’s appearance.
There were numerous voices expressing their dismay about the performance on the school’s official Facebook page. Many questioned the school’s judgment and morality in allowing such a spectacle to take place at a school event for minors. Some even suggested that the individuals responsible for organizing the performance should be fired immediately.
Martin Salazar, a spokesperson for the school district, has declined to comment on whether the performance was approved by school officials or how many staff members were placed on leave. This lack of transparency only adds to the outrage and mistrust towards the public school system. It is baffling that the school would allow such a performance to take place, without informing students or parents beforehand.
It is shocking and disheartening that a school would even consider exposing their students to a sexualized performance, especially given that the majority of them are minors. The fact that several students did not mind the performance is a concerning reflection of the normalization of drag performances among young adults. The deliberate decision to withhold information from parents and students only adds to the deep-rooted mistrust towards public schools.
This incident is yet another example of how public schools prioritize their own ideological views over the well-being and safety of their students. It is unacceptable that the school would infringe upon the rights of parents to make informed decisions about what their children are exposed to. This blatant disregard for parental authority and the morality of minors is a major contributing factor to the declining trust in the public school system.
NEW VIDEO: Adult Drag Queen Stripper Touches Students in Lewd Performance at @ABQschools High School Prom. This is unacceptable! Principal Irene Cisneros must be FIRED. Contact APS Board – demand Atrisco Heritage Academy Principal Cisneros be fired NOW: https://t.co/mzJWbLAWZm pic.twitter.com/mNbX3jSt1N
— Elisa Martinez (@elisa1121) April 25, 2024
As a result of such actions, only 26 percent of Americans have a “great deal/quite a lot of confidence” in public schools according to a July 2023 Gallup poll. It is clear that in order for public schools to regain the trust and support of the community, they must prioritize the well-being and education of students over their own agendas. If they fail to do so, we can only expect to see further decline in trust and confidence in our public school system.
Why cant they do more drag shows in DC NY LA Boston alone
Wow!!! New Mexico did something right for a change.