A Chicago elementary school recently decided to cancel its collaboration on a haunted house event titled “The Room: A Journey To Hell” after discovering that the organizers intended to include controversial and sensitive themes, such as recreations of mass shootings, including the tragic Pulse Nightclub incident. The school, which had planned to work with a production company called Tyrone Tappler Productions, was taken aback when promotional materials revealed the planned depictions of violent events.
Fernwood Elementary School had initially agreed to sponsor the haunted house, but it wasn’t until the advertising surfaced that the school realized the nature of the content. In addition to the Pulse Nightclub, the event was set to feature scenes based on a botched abortion and the Charleston church shooting. A spokesperson for Chicago Public Schools (CPS) stated, “The event organizers mischaracterized the true content of the event, and we did not approve any association with the activities the organizers have now advertised. The event will not be held on CPS property.”
Questions of Appropriateness
This situation raises some eyebrows about the appropriateness of a “Christian haunted house” at a public school. Firstly, why would a public school even consider hosting a haunted house that is tied to religious themes? And secondly, what did the school expect from a so-called “Christian haunted house”? Surely, they must have anticipated that some elements would potentially offend someone. Were they imagining scenes like a creepy Noah inviting visitors onto an ark filled with zombie animals? Or perhaps they thought the Three Wise Men would chase guests with chainsaws?
Moreover, how did the school not uncover the content of this haunted house until just days before the event? Even if it were a standard haunted house, one would think there would be a review process to ensure that children would not be exposed to inappropriate material. Although it’s not entirely fair to blame the school, it does seem puzzling.
Tyrone Tappler’s Intentions
Tyrone Tappler, the self-described minister behind this event, was not exactly discreet about his intentions. In an August Facebook post, he called for volunteers, mentioning specifics like “Club Pulse, Dancers, Victims … CAGED PEOPLE/SCREAMERS.” It’s hard to fathom how he thought this would be appropriate for an elementary school setting.
On the ticket sales page for “The Room,” the experience was described as “a real-life haunted house,” where guests would confront “IN YOUR FACE scenes of dark reality.” The inclusion of the Pulse Nightclub shooting, where 49 lives were lost, seemed to reflect a misguided belief that those who frequented such venues deserved their fate.
Public Backlash
The fervor surrounding this event was met with backlash online, with many expressing outrage at the insensitivity of the concept and its target audience. The responses ranged from criticisms of Tappler’s intentions to more humorous jabs at his apparent lack of awareness.
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Conclusion
In summary, the proposed haunted house at a Chicago elementary school was canceled due to its controversial themes, including depictions of mass shootings, which sparked outrage and raised questions about appropriateness in a public school setting.