Louisiana School Says Girls Can’t Wear Tuxedos To Prom

If female students at Ellender High School in Louisiana want to attend their prom this Saturday, they must wear dresses or gowns, as the rules of “good order and discipline,” as well as “tradition” state. But at least one girl already has a rented tuxedo–and the ACLU on her side.

Death & Taxes magazine discovered this story out of Terrebonne Parish, LA, about 19-year-old Monique Verdin, who has worn pantsuits to past dances but was told her admission to the prom would be prohibited if she showed up in the tux she planned to wear. According to the story, “To prove their point, [the school] cited a 1987 — or, 24-year old — lawsuit that supports their decision. Verdin’s father, Jody Bergeron, pleaded personally with the principal, but the educator remained adamant. Says Bergeron, ‘[The principal] said it’s his rule, that it was his school and, being the principal, he is going to enforce his rules.'”

And according to local news coverage of the story, “Courts have ruled favorably or brokered settlements in similar cases in the past. The ACLU of Louisiana says schools barring girls in tuxes or boys in dresses, or barring same-sex dates, are in violation of the law and that they are prepared to litigate in such cases. The civil liberties organization sent out an open letter with that information Friday to high school principals throughout the state.”

This kind of restrictive dress code–based solely on gender roles, and not anyone’s health or safety–is downright antiquated, as Death & Taxes points out. The school itself cites “long held tradition” as its reasoning, which is about as good as “Because I said so.” We’re 100% in favor of Verdin attending her prom in a tuxedo…how about you? Do you find this school-enforced rule to be old fashioned? Would you attend your prom in anything other than a dress? (Hey, if it’s good enough for Anne Hathaway to host the Oscars in…) Discuss!

PLUS…meet Constance McMillen, the brave teenager who stood up for her right to bring another girl as her date to prom…AND…an Alabama teen was suspended for her revealing prom dress! Do you think it was too risqué?

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