Orland Park erupts to notes of Cardi B as couple blasts 'WAP' to drown out noise from school playground
ORLAND PARK, ILLINOIS: When Prairie Elementary School in Orland Park decided to expand one of its main playgrounds, musical instruments were installed for the children. The children, however, were overjoyed, unlike the Rayo family who lives just a few feet away and had to endure the constant noise and disruption from playground activities. When the family had enough of it, they decided to take matters into their own hands. CBS 2 reported on October 11, that parents in Orland Park claimed the homeowner crossed the line by playing obscene music, which led authorities to the house.
Laura and Rueben Rayo complained that the noise level from the equipment on the playground was too loud. "We can't do anything," said Laura Rayo. "We were not able to open our windows, because of the fact the instruments were constantly being played - seven days a week all day long," she added. So the family decided to set up speakers on the outdoor patio, which played the music quite loudly.
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The Rayo family has been playing louder, more obscene music, such as "WAP" by rapper Cardi B, after a year of protesting to the Orland School District 135 board. This was going on as the children were playing. Following complaints from parents, police were called, but an investigation revealed that the music being played at such a high intensity was not illegal even if it was bad taste, which led to even more people speaking out to the board. "You know what that stands for. I won't say those words," said upset parent Iwona Piwowerczyk. "To me, it's more like harassment. You know, they're harassing the children. To me, it's borderline like sexual harassment to us mothers being there." Piwowerczyk told Terry, "'Stripper,' 'hoochie mama' – you know, it's very inappropriate for first graders; kindergartners."
The board heard from other residents on Tuesday night who agree that the noise from the playground is excessive. A father at a school board meeting said, "I've had other parents tell me it includes sounds of pornographic sounds and sounds of people getting murdered by scary movies." While a parent said, "I really do feel for the Rayo family. We go for our walks, and we hear it - the kids just beating away and everything else – and it's like, 'Okay." Following an investigation into the accusations, the Orland Park police department was able to persuade the school to temporarily remove the playground equipment. However, the board is not yet prepared to throw them away forever, and the Rayos believe their music will be revived if the instruments are returned.
Terry from CBS 2 then questioned Rueben Rayo about his and his wife's choice to play explicit music in front of their children, to which Rueben replied, "because we had to get the board's attention." Terry: "Do you think there was a mistake made by playing vulgar music in front of children?" Rueben Rayo: "Yes, absolutely. Yes, absolutely. I was completely out of line – it was, absolutely. But you know what? I had to do what I had to do to protect my family and home because I can't move my home."
The family has promised to stop playing the offensive music at high volumes but has warned that they would do it again if the playground instruments are back. The school board did not reach a consensus on the issue, but members have indicated that they will proceed based on concerns for students' safety. Neighbors have voiced their opposition to the presence of such ear-piercing playground equipment in the area.