(image via Facebook)
Claudetteia Love, a star student and high school senior at Carroll High School in Monroe, Louisiana, was shocked when she was told that she would be unable to attend her prom if she came wearing a tuxedo, as opposed to a dress.
The decision, which was enforced by Caroll High School’s principal, Patrick Taylor, was challenged by the Monroe City School Board President Rodney McFarland. Several students at the high school also petitioned to change the rule, ultimately deciding to boycott after the Principal Taylor wouldn’t budge. Love’s mother even met with Taylor.
“Girls wear dresses and boys wear tuxes, and that’s the way it is,” is what Principal Patrick Taylor reportedly told Love’s mother, Geraldine Jackson, while explaining his decision.
After news of Love’s ordeal spread throughout national media, the teen has attracted the support of several legal groups, including The U.S. Justice Department. According to the News-Star, the Justice Department spoke Monroe City Schools attorney Doug Lawrence on Monday. The details of that meeting will be disclosed in a press conference on Wednesday. The ACLU, and many gay rights organizations have also reached out to Claudetteia Love and her mother.