By MARGOT PEPPERS
Two seniors from Cincinnati, Ohio, were denied access to their prom because their dresses were deemed 'inappropriate'. Nyasia Mitchell, 19, and Laneisha Williams, 18, were turned away from the doors of Mt Healthy High School for violating the prom dress code, a judgement which they felt to be untrue. 'They told me my top was inappropriate, so I offered to button the jacket I had on,' Laneisha, who was wearing a black dress with a denim vest, told ABC 9. 'Then they said my skirt was too short, but it came to my knees so I don't feel like it was too short.'
Nyasia had the same problem. Her prom dress - a white strapless ensemble with a pink skirt - was deemed unsuitable for the event, and she, too, had to leave. Before the prom, a letter was sent out to all parents regarding the dress code restrictions. Still, the girls' parents were shocked at the school's actions. Danielle Mitchell said her daughter looked 'marvelous' in the dress, which she had helped pick out. 'For them to turn them away. . . That's crazy!' she told the news website.
And Laneisha's mother shared her anger. 'I was furious,' she said. 'Who are you to tell my daughter that her skirt is too short? I'm the mother.' But Marlon Styles, Jr, the school's principal, stands by its decision. 'No school in the country would allow kids in dressed like that,' he explained. Since a letter went out to the parents prior to the dance, spelling out the dress code regulations, Mr Styles says he feels it was the girls' responsibility - and that of their parents - to comply.
Part of the letter, which was sent to parents in April, said: 'Inappropriate dresses that are too short in length or reveal excess cleavage will not be permitted. 'Students who arrive inappropriately dressed will be required to change clothes prior to entering the event. Parents will be contacted if any dress code concerns arise with their child.' Mr Styles also told ABC 9 that girls were allowed to have 'no curvature of the breast showing'.
Reactions to the girls' exclusion from the dance have been mixed, with some agreeing with the school's decision, and others who believe they had a right to wear their dresses. 'She violated the dress code,' wrote one person on ABC 9's Facebook page. 'You don't follow the rules, you don't get to participate. It's called life.' Others, however, felt that the girls were being was being punished more for their body type than their choice of gown.
'It's not her fault she blossomed early,' wrote one sympathetic supporter. 'Give me a break, she looks great! And I've seen girls dressed with way more showing.' Nyasia's mother has estimated that her family spent $500 preparing for her daughter's prom night, and $350 on the dress alone. Both she and Laneisha's mother are considering taking their case to court.
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