A professor at Washburn University in Kansas has moonwalked her way into trouble after she wore a Michael Jackson costume to a Halloween party.
Holly O’Neil, a professor of chemistry at the Topeka-based Washburn University, is being investigated by the school over concerns of cultural appropriation after she wore a costume impersonating the king of pop and danced at a Halloween party, the campus newspaper the Washburn Review reported.
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O’Neil reportedly danced to Jackson’s hit 1982 song and popular Halloween anthem “Thriller” during a Halloween party for the university’s English department. Video of the incident was posted on Facebook but later deleted.
The university confirmed that it is looking into the circumstances of O’Neil’s behavior but declined to offer a judgment about the situation.
“Washburn University is reviewing concerns raised about a costume worn by an employee to an on-campus Halloween party Thursday, Oct. 27,” university spokeswoman Lori Hutchinson said in a statement to the Washington Examiner.
“We are gathering information from the students, faculty and staff who were involved and have been affected before developing a response to the situation. Washburn’s commitment to an inclusive campus community will be an important part of this review process,” Hutchinson said.
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In addition to her duties as associate professor of chemistry, O’Neil is the interim assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
