A headteacher is being investigated after images appeared to show him getting lap dances from students in a school assembly.
Images from the event at Hazard High School in Kentucky show girls dancing dressed as Hooters waitresses and boys in lingerie being spanked by paddles, all while headteacher Donald Mobelini watches on with a smile.
Other snaps show scantily clad students strutting down a makeshift catwalk. Most concerning, one boy appears bent over in front of Mobelini, dancing in tights and a dress.
Other teachers appeared to be getting dances from students as well.
The images have since been deleted from the school’s Facebook page. The event had previously been listed there as a “man pageant”.
Mobelini, who is also the mayor of the city of Hazard, has twice previously been investigated for incidents involving alcohol and students, one of which involved pictures of him driving kids around as they drank and smoked.
He was cleared of any wrongdoing after it was concluded that he was unaware of the drinking.
Sondra Combs, Hazard Independent Superintendent, told the Lexington Herald-Leader yesterday: “The incident is under investigation and as you know anything under investigation I really can’t talk about.
“Once the investigation is complete, appropriate action will be taken.”
She also apologised for the incident in a statement but didn’t elaborate on the investigation.
Nema Brewer, co-founder of the public education group Ky. 120 United, was among those leading the criticism of Hazard High School.
“Public education is under so much fire right now. This kind of stuff is not helpful. In fact, it’s disgusting. It appears they are sexualizing young adults,” she said.
After the disturbing images were shared online people took to Twitter to express their outrage.
“How does that set of circumstances even come about… in a school?” asked one concerned user.
Another said: “I haven’t heard if the students planned this, but why wouldn’t every adult stop these kids when the students started giving lap dances? Those kids feel entirely too comfortable around those adults in that high school.”
“I’m sorry to say I’m from Kentucky when I hear things like this,” added a third.
