Amanda Dougherty Banned From Prom? Date Rule Teaches Kids 'Social Norms'
17-year-old Amanda Dougherty has been banned from the prom because her school does not allow students without a date to attend.
Archbishop John Carroll High School has enforced the rule that all students must attend prom with a date. Dougherty says that she had a date- albeit not a very good one- that stood her up at the last minute. Now, after over $1,000 spent on prom expenses, the high school student has been banned from the school event.
"For them to say we're not good enough to go without a guy next to us, that's kind of sickening," Dougherty told CBS during a television interview.
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According to Dougherty's father, Amanda is like many young girls and has been looking forward to her prom for years.
"She went out around Christmas looking for her dress," Jack Dougherty told CBS.
The office of Catholic Education admits that many of its students look forward to the prom, adding however that the rules in place will have no exceptions.
"The prom is an exciting event for students in all of our Archdiocesan high schools," a statement from the office conveyed. "Unfortunately, not all students are able to attend. We can't address specific issues with specific students but there are various reasons that a student would not be able to attend. Not having a date is one example."
One person suggested that the school was well within their rights, and the rule necessary in order for children to learn the proper behavior acceptable to society.
"Prom is an occasion where a date is required. If everyone started coming without a date, it would just be a dress up school dance. It's a learning experience too - how to go about socializing with a partner. If everyone stood around without a date, then it would not be 'prom like,' Lena Maureen wrote on the Huffington Post.
"Kids need to learn that there are social norms and rules that should be followed, this is why our kids think that they should be able to do anything they want. It does not cut it in the real world, they get fired and cannot understand why.....even though they fought the companies rules," she added.
Maureen suggested that instead, the teen could have at least brought her father to the prom, if she had really wanted to go.
Others were outraged by the rule, suggesting that the school had no right to force the girl into bringing a date.
"This girl paid for her ticket and that being said, its sad that her memory of her prom will be this one thanks to 'adults' who illustrate such ridiculous rules. Its a school celebration, nothing that should force anyone to date," Azuredays wrote on the Huffington blog. "I'm sure there are more students who would attend and enjoy the evening, leaving with happy memories if not for this rule. The shame here is on the school, not the students."
