R.I. school: Father-daughter dance violates law

CBS/AP

(CBS/AP) CRANSTON, R.I. - School officials in the Rhode Island city of Cranston have ended their traditional father-daughter dances and mother-son ballgames, saying the activities are a violation of state gender discrimination law.

School Superintendent Judith Lundsten told the Providence Journal the move came in response to a complaint from a single mother, after her daughter was not allowed to attend a father-daughter dance.

The American Civil Liberties Union sent a letter to school officials on behalf of the mother.

Lundsten says school attorneys found while federal Title IX legislation banning gender discrimination exempts such events, Rhode Island law does not.

School Committee member Janice Ruggieri said she believes the school system can adjust and host "family dances" to accommodate all types of parenting situations.

CBS Affiliate WPRI reports the decision comes just seven months after Cranston school officials removed a prayer banner from an auditorium in Cranston High School West after a federal judge ruled on behalf of a lawsuit filed by an atheist student.

The city received a $173,000 bill for legal fees in that case.

[jmitw]

how much intelligence does it take to allow a father figure in place of a legal father..this could be an uncle/family friend...maybe the father of a male schoolmate that the girl is good friends with...and yes...even a mother..maybe even change it to parent/child and include sons...all this money wasted on lawyers....

[lstej]

I have three children and their father has passed away. While it is is painful to me that they cannot participate in Bring Dad/Grandpa to School Day, Father/Daughter Dances, etc, events like this should NOT be taken away from others. These children and fathers should be able to relish in what is a beautiful occasion and a life-long memory. Opportunities like this are few and far between. My children don't feel envious or sad on these days. I sure hope my children can be happy for those that have a father in their life to celebrate. And that is how I will continue to raise them.

[pculliton]

These sorts of events were always painful to me as a kid, living with great-grandparents who were not my legal guardians. Glad to see their time has passed, at least in one locale. How about just a family-student dance-- making it VERY clear that all loved-ones are welcome. After all, friends are the family you make for yourself.

[DOGGYPANTS]

This is just another example of how heterosexual families are being brutalized by the same gender community. Don't these families pay school taxes? Should schools not promote family values? RI says No.

[inmaryland1]

Where does it state any of this in the article?

[ToolMangler1]

Most of you miss the point....
This event was "FOR" Fathers & Daughters. If a Girl wanted to attend that had no Father, "She could have opted for a 'stand-in' Father to dance with, (no harm-no foul)....

[feudi]

You are absolutely right, but that would make too much common sense and lawyers would be out of $173,000 in legal fees. Our government has been taken over by lawyers who need work. And this is the result.

[AgrestiJoe]

I am the quoted Janice Ruggieri's opposition in her upcoming race to be re-elected to the school committee. Please like my Facebook page to show your support. Thank you!

[ashmarie89]

Apparently I chose the wrong profession. I need to be a lawyer since everyone (at least that's how it seems) in this country is sue happy. This country is becoming a wussy one. Everyone tries to be politically correct and not upset anyone. Haven't you people ever realized that the experiences you have gone through have made you who you are today? All the pain/bullying/torment you go through gives you your personality and strength and everything else that makes you, you. So sew it up America and grow some cojones (and stop feeling entitled to everything!).

[inmaryland1]

Yes...I have devoted my life to end the torment bullies cause helpless victims.

[PourpaixPourpaix]

This is really stupid. Everything has to be perfectly fair to all genders all the time. Unless, of course, it acknowledges that truly unfair things happened in the past to women or gays in which case it becomes perfectly ok to grant special privileges. There are so many school activities that bring fathers/sons together, as well as mothers/daughters. I think it's a wonderful idea to sponsor activities to bring together fathers/daughters and mothers/sons.

Leave it to an idiot woman to throw yet another hissy fit at being excluded from something she isn't meant to be a part of and has no business being a part of. Single-parent programs abound everywhere and are given much more emphasis as special programs. That never gave me a problem or occasion to criticize, as it seems a worthwhile idea. However, in light of this complaint to do away with a benefit to a traditionally married family, it's time we started demanding to do away with special programs for women and gays.

[Martha12345]

Has the country gone nuts ?

[Silveron74]

This is surely all of Obama's fault