Parents of children who attend Cranston, RI public schools were notified recently of a ban on father-daughter and mother-son activities as school lawyers concluded the traditions violate state gender discrimination laws, Cranston Patch reports.
"The action was triggered by a letter from the American Civil Liberties Union, said School Superintendent Judith Lundsten. The letter was written on behalf of a mother who said her daughter was unable to go to the father-daughter dance," the article said.
While title IX allows for father-daughter and mother-son activities, state law is more restrictive. Now, the Cranston School Committee is asking state lawmakers to change Rhode Island law to mirror federal law, making the now banned dances legal again.
What do you think? Should father-daughter and mother-son dances be allowed in schools? Take our poll and speak your mind in the comments section.
Disgusted citizen
7:53 am on Sunday, September 23, 2012
Any event can be seen to discriminate against someone in some fashion, but this is a classic case of "if I can't go, I'm going to ruin it for everyone else"...there's no malicious intent here only fostering the relationships between fathers and daughters. Once again, the ACLU proves itself to be a petty organization only seeking to destroy American tradition.
Chris McCue Potts
12:33 pm on Sunday, September 23, 2012
I'm torn on this one. My husband and daughter loved the special dance just for them, and I thrilled about them doing it. However, for girls who have lost their dad (which was the root of the mother's complaint), I can only imagine the pain these dances must cause. If organizations aren't sensitive to these situations (and can't figure out how to make accommodations vs. excluding a little girl grieving for her father), then that forces organizations like the ACLU to get involved. An issue like this isn't black and white.
Louise Wasley
7:58 pm on Sunday, September 23, 2012
My husband was away on business and couldn't attend a father/daughter dance in Medfield. She wanted to go, all her friends were attending. I called the organizers and they told me I should find a MALE replacement. It was last minute and I went with my daughter. It was years ago and now I feel like a pioneer. No girl should feel left out of the event because her Dad cannot be there!!!!!!
bonnie finley
6:24 pm on Monday, October 1, 2012
Disgusted citizen #2
You are so right! Pretty soon we'll have so many rights there will be no wrong!