A student from Nashville Christian School was denied entry to their prom for wearing a suit rather than a dress.
To protest the decision, they publicly posted an image of themself with a sign that read, “They wouldn’t let me in because I’m in a suit.” This student demonstrated their determination to stand up for their right to express themselves without conforming to gender stereotypes.
They posted in the caption: “My name is B Hayes. I’m 18 years old, and I’ve been attending Nashville Christian School for 13 years. My senior prom was today, and I wasn’t allowed in the doors because I was wearing a suit. I should not have to conform to femininity to attend my senior prom. I will not compromise who I am to fit in a box. Who are you to tell us what it means to be a woman?”
The post quickly went viral and received over 26,000 likes and thousands of comments to date.
“I love wearing suits, and you look amazing. What is your school gonna do come graduation day when the boys have to wear caps and GOWNS?” username @marenmorris commented.
Nio, the DJ from the prom, commented on the post. “It was just brought to my attention you were denied entry. It breaks my heart to know you experienced this… I’m sorry I wasn’t aware. If you have a graduation party or any celebration this year, as long as I’m not booked on that day, I’d be honored to DJ for you for free. You let me know, and we’ll hook it up. You have an ally in me.”
Username @agirlhasnopresident commented. “I’m sorry that you were put through that. I’m sorry that you missed your only senior prom because of this ignorance. So much for Christian love.”
Strict Dress Requirements
Nashville Christian School upholds certain dress requirements for students at school-sponsored events, which were communicated to this student and their family in advance of the prom, Nashville Christian School told NPR.
Though they respect a student’s right to disagree, any student not adhering to these expectations may be asked to leave.
READ MORE: Dad Let His Son Take “Toy” To Show and Tell, Not Knowing What It Really Was
Local Business Tries To Help
A Nashville business owner and local mom, Marcie Allen Van Mol, heard about Hayes’ experience of being denied entry to their prom. She was so moved by the incident that she decided to host a private prom for them at AB Hillsboro Village.
She reached out to Hayes with the offer and started spreading her call for help through social media.
With the support of local businesses, a GoFundMe was created for the event, and they made the decision that any additional money would be donated to Inclusion Tennessee and Oasis Center, two charities chosen by Hayes. The private prom is scheduled for next month with space for 25 of their friends.
This article Student Denied Entry to Prom for Wearing a Suit Instead of a Dress. Community Rallies Together to Host Private Prom was produced by TPR Teaching.
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