Facebook and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan have been accused of operating the 'Biken Ben School' without permission at their Palo Alto home. The local administration, deeming it a violation of zoning regulations, ordered the school to shut down by June 2025. Neighbors expressed dissatisfaction over increased traffic and the presence of security personnel.
Mark Zuckerberg And Priscilla Chan: In Palo Alto, California, Facebook and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan are accused of operating the 'Biken Ben School' without permission at their luxurious home. The school, which started in 2021, provided education to approximately 30 students. Due to regulatory violations, the local administration ordered its closure by June 2025. Neighbors are dissatisfied with the increased traffic and the presence of security personnel caused by the school, while Zuckerberg's spokesperson states that the school has now been shifted to another location.
Operating a School Without a Permit
Facebook and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan are facing accusations of running a private school without permission at their luxurious home in Palo Alto. According to reports, the school, named 'Biken Ben School,' was operating on their home premises around 2021. The local administration, considering it a violation of zoning regulations, ordered its closure by June 2025.
The school had approximately 30 students and was named after the family's chicken. It was located entirely in a residential zone where such institutions are not permitted. Consequently, neighbors filed complaints with the city administration, alleging that Zuckerberg was being granted special exemptions.
Neighbors' Displeasure and Dissatisfaction
Local residents expressed dissatisfaction over increased traffic, continuous construction work, and the presence of security personnel during the school's operation. An upset neighbor stated in an email that the Zuckerberg family had undermined their trust and made their neighborhood unbearable.
Locals consider this an example of unbearable life in the neighborhood of one of the world's most famous tech billionaires. According to complaints, Zuckerberg's activities have impacted security and order in the area.
City Administration and Zuckerberg's Response
The Palo Alto administration denied allegations of favoritism, stating that zoning and safety regulations apply equally to all property owners. The administration had directed the school to close by June 30th in March 2025.
However, a Wired report stated that Zuckerberg's spokesperson claimed the school was not closed but shifted to another location. It is currently unclear where the school is now operating.
