Last night was Prom for my high school students. I never sign up to chaperone the dances… partly because I have no desire to see any of my students skanking it up on the dance floor.
That was the least of Tyler Frost‘s problems. He’s a senior at Heritage Christian School in Ohio, a fundamentalist Baptist school. His girlfriend goes to a public high school.
He wanted to go to her Senior Prom because his own school doesn’t hold such events. In fact, they forbid dancing and rock music.
Frost followed every rule, got every signature, and probably isn’t the type to do anything crazy at the dance (i.e. get drunk).
It doesn’t matter. He’s in deep trouble if he shows up on that dance floor:
The teen, who is scheduled to receive his diploma May 24, would be suspended from classes and receive an “incomplete” on remaining assignments, [principal Tim] England said. Frost also would not be permitted to attend graduation but would get a diploma once he completes final exams. If Frost is involved with alcohol or sex at the prom, he will be expelled, England said.
…“In life, we constantly make decisions whether we are going to please self or please God. (Frost) chose one path, and the school committee chose the other,” England said.
It’s sad but I guess there’s a upside — the student’s doing everything right. And the Christian school is showing exactly why no one should take them seriously. If they want to cut the students off from society, the students will hopefully see right through that before long.
I hope Tyler goes to Prom tonight and has a great time. Even if his school gives him a diploma, he might as well return it. It’s not like graduating from a school like Heritage will prepare you for the real world, anyway.
(Thanks to everyone who sent the link!)
