Update: Official Says Shelton Prom Dress Controversy Blown Out of Proportion

Superintendent of School Dr. Freeman Burr said the prom dress code controversy had been blown out of proportion, FOX CT reports.

According to Fox, while the student handbook outline the dress code, it only addresses what is considered appropriate in a school situation and the guidelines don’t specifically apply to prom.

In his statement today, Burr said the announcement was made on Friday after the issue was raised by faculty, staff and some male students. He added that dresses considered to overexpose one’s body will not be allowed.

The full statement can be read at the Shelton Herald.

High school students plan on presenting a petition to the Board of Education today.

The petition points to the sexist attitude the dress code enforcement portrays. It states, “There is a sexist and backwards logic that girls must cover up so that boys are not distracted or tempted to behave inappropriately. If a girl wears a pair of shorts and a boy takes that as an invitation to touch her, who really needs to be told to control themselves? Don’t teach girls to hide their bodies; teach boys self control and that they aren’t entitled to a girl’s body just because she dressed in a way that made her feel beautiful or just didn’t want to get overheated.”

Those affected by the issue took to social media to voice their opinions regarding the dress code.

Around six or seven students were told their dresses are inappropriate.

The announcement on Friday at Shelton High School regarding appropriate dress code at the prom left students angry.

According to NBC Connecticut, the announcement made by headmaster Dr. Beth Smith said backless dresses or those with slits or cut-outs will not be allowed.

Many students were upset with the timing of the announcement as prom is this Saturday, the news channel reports. Students said they had already purchased dresses and it would be too late for them to return them.

Superintendent of Schools Freeman Burr issued a statement saying students were told of the dress code months ago and the announcement was just a reminder, according to NBC.

Read the full story at NBC Connecticut.

Read the full FOX CT report here.

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