Claudetteia Love, an openly gay student at Carroll High School in Monroe, Lousiana, has decided not to go to prom this year, after being told she is not allowed to wear a tuxedo to the event.
Speaking to The News Star, Claudetteia's mother says the principal of her school told her "girls wear dresses and boys wear tuxes, and that's the way it is," explaining that the dress code prohibits female students from wearing tuxedos.
"I told my mom, 'They're using me," says Claudetteia. "They put me in all these honours and advanced placement classes so I can take all of these tests and get good grades and better the school, but when it's time for me to celebrate the fact that I've accomplished what I need to accomplish and I'm about to graduate, they don't want to let me do it, the way I want to."
While the principal maintains that the decision is a dress code policy, and not directed specifically at Love, Claudetteia maintains that the ban is more about her sexuality than her style choices. Despite being very upset by the school's decision, she's staying positive, and inspiring others to stay strong.
"There are other girls in lower grades than me, and I want for them when they come up to not to have to feel like they aren't accepted," Love said. "I don't want them to feel like they are less of a person because people don't accept them. There are people in the world that won't accept you but they don't have to be so judgmental and make you feel like you're less of a person and that you shouldn't express yourself." Well said.
Thankfully, Claudetteia now has an ally, with the head of the Monroe City School Board speaking out against the school's dress code. "As far as I know there is no Monroe City School Board policy saying what someone has to wear to attend the prom," he said. "You can't just go making up policies."
The head of the board now plans to discuss the issue with the school's principal, so hopefully he'll come to his senses and allow Claudettia, and all students, to wear whatever will make them happy. Fingers crossed.
Canary Updates
By Ellen Scott
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