Right Or Wrong? Nashville High School Senior Denied Prom Entry For Wearing A Suit
By RonnySteel
Nashville student banned from prom for daring to wear a suit? It's true! B Hayes, an 18-year-old nonbinary student, was forbidden from attending their senior prom at Nashville Christian School for refusing to conform to the school's strict dress code.
B Hayes, 18, who identifies as nonbinary, revealed in an Instagram post over the weekend they were forbidden to take part in prom over their planned outfit, holding up a sign that reads: "they wouldn't let me in because I'm in a suit." Credit to: Instagram/bdh014
Despite holding up a sign that read "They wouldn't let me in because I'm in a suit," Hayes was still turned away from the event. In an Instagram post, Hayes made it clear that they would not compromise who they are to fit into a narrow box of femininity. The private school has yet to comment on the incident, but their handbook clearly states that God created humans as male or female, and students must live consistently with the gender they were assigned at birth. What do you think about this school's strict gender beliefs?
When approached for a comment by NPR, the school stated that it has clearly defined dress codes in place for both daily school attendance and special events. Upon enrollment, all students and their families are made aware of these guidelines and sign an agreement to abide by them.
The school had made it clear to all students and their families beforehand about the dress code requirements for prom. However, Hayes' post on Instagram stirred up anger and disappointment among many who believed that it was unfair for the school to bar a student from attending their own prom simply because of their outfit choice. The school responded by stating that while they respected the students' right to disagree, failure to comply with the dress code could result in being asked to leave the event.
“Infuriating,” one user commented on Hayes’ Instagram post.
“You’re fighting the good fight,” another posted.
The post got so much traffic, members of the local community stepped in to offer support, with some suggesting putting on a special prom for Hayes.
Nashville Christian School via Google maps
Locals Marcie Allen Van Mol and her husband, Derek Van Mol, who together own a live music and event space in Nashville, offered up their venue. Marcie Van Mol told NPR it could serve as a “safe place for B to celebrate their prom,”
She led the charge and called on local business owners to help her plan a prom for Hayes and their friends.
Alison Holley, a fellow business owner, stepped up to support B Hayes by creating a GoFundMe campaign titled "Throw the Ultimate Prom for B". The campaign aimed to raise money for a special prom event and has already secured a photo booth, flowers, and a performance from R&B musician Tone Stith, according to NPR. The campaign has even exceeded its target of $25,000, with over $28,000 raised towards making the big night possible. Hayes will be able to enjoy their special moment with 25 of their friends. Any additional funds raised will be donated to Inclusion Tennessee and Oasis Center. It's heartwarming to see the community rally behind Hayes and support their right to be themselves.
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