Controversial Performance at Upper West Side Elementary School

During a recent event at an Upper West Side elementary school, a fifth grader acted out being shot by police, an incident that shocked many parents and educators, while also angering local law enforcement.

The performance occurred at PS 075 on June 11 during a Multicultural Day, where students showcased different cultural traditions. After a group of fourth graders recited a Native American poem, it was the fifth graders’ turn to present.

The young performers danced to “Glory,” a song by John Legend and Common that touches on contentious themes like the Ferguson protests. In Ferguson, a white police officer fatally shot black teenager Michael Brown after an alleged confrontation. The event had sparked a nationwide outcry and protests under the Black Lives Matter banner.

As the song’s lyrics echoed, which include references to being shot and falling to the ground, students were seen collapsing on stage, staring upwards in a portrayal that mirrored the song’s haunting message.

Later in the performance, the fifth graders got down on one knee, an action reminiscent of former NFL player Colin Kaepernick’s protest during the national anthem in 2016.

To conclude the event, students rushed the stage brandishing political signs with messages like “ICE Out,” “Respect LGBTQIA+,” and “Terrorism Has No Religion.” One placard notably stated, “No room for anti-Semitism.”

A police officer reacted strongly to the performance, labeling it as inappropriate and calling it a form of political indoctrination that exploits children. They demanded accountability from those who permitted such actions.

There are concerns among school officials that some educators may be pushing a progressive agenda, contributing to the controversy.

Teacher Shaleen Karim, who has been with the school since 2012 and chairs the Multicultural Committee, is said to have orchestrated the performance. Reports indicate her annual salary is around $98,226.

Principal George Georgilakis, earning $195,401 in 2025, reportedly supports the school’s liberal policies.

PS 075 also features a “Rainbow Room” designed for LGBTQ+ content, accessible to students in grades K-5 without requiring parental consent. This has raised eyebrows among parents who have expressed concerns over the materials being presented to younger students.

One incident involved a reading by transgender author Kyle Lukoff that was conducted without prior notification to parents, prompting a Department of Education spokesperson to address the need for better communication regarding events like these in the future.