B Hayes: Nashville Christian School bars non-binary student from senior prom after they wore a suit
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: B Hayes, a non-binary student at Nashville Christian School in Tennessee, was barred from attending the senior prom in her school. Hayes, who prefers they/he pronouns and is biologically female, wore a suit to the momentous occasion rather than a dress, which was against the dress code for girls of the school.
Hayes, 18, shared their story over the weekend on Instagram writing, "They wouldn't let me in because I'm in a suit," according to NPR. Nashville Christian School, a co-ed private school that accepts students from ages six weeks through grade 12, adheres strictly to gender identification policies and employs "Biblical principles to guide student behavior." The school's online handbook has the following statement under 'Expectations for Student Conduct', "Identity — God created us as male or female, and we will live consistently with the gender God chose for us."
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'I will not compromise who I am to fit in a box'
Hayes wrote, "I've been attending Nashville Christian School for 13 years. My senior prom was today and I wasn't allowed in the doors because I was wearing a suit. I should not have to conform to femininity to attend my senior prom. I will not compromise who I am to fit in a box. Who are you to tell us what it means to be a woman?"
What is the school's response?
All students and families were informed of the "expectations regarding appropriate prom attire" prior to the dance, the school said in a statement to DailyMail. "Nashville Christian School has established dress requirements for daily school attendance and at our special events," the statement read.
The statement continued, "All students and families are aware of and sign an agreement to these guidelines when they enroll. While we certainly respect a student's right to disagree, all of our students know from our school handbook that when they do not follow such expectations at school-sponsored events, they may be asked to leave."
What is the 'Dress Code' for the school?
The school handbook's 'Dress Code' section reads, "All students should choose Banquet attire that is appropriate for modesty and consistent with the Biblical principles to guide student behavior and the statement of faith of Nashville Christian School. Students who do not adhere to these expectations may be asked to leave the event." Additionally, it is against the rules for students to go to banquet events with another student of the same sex or gender.
'Didn't Jesus wear a gown?'
Hayes' story gained widespread attention, and they were shown support by tens of thousands of people, including famous people like Maren Morris. "I love wearing suits and you look amazing. What is your school gonna do come graduation day when the boys have to wear cap and GOWNS?" Morris wrote.
Former Bachelorette star Kaitlyn Bristowe said, "If I could rewind time I would have gone to my prom in a pant suit. Didn't Jesus wear a gown? I love that you are standing up for yourself and we will stand with you!!"
Rachelle Lefevre wrote, "B, I also prefer a suit- so much that when one of my BFs got married, he let me be a groomsman because he knew I wouldn't feel comfortable as a bridesmaid. These are the friends you will have in your life, you are f*****g perfect and your people will find you!"
Lefevre also called out the entire school and even the other students, adding, "Also, your suit looks really sharp Have to add: shame on all the other students for not walking out in solidarity and shame on your school for using God to justify their hate. You are SEEN & LOVED."
'Throw the Ultimate Prom for B'
Marcie Allen Van Mol, a local entrepreneur and mother, was appalled by what had transpired to the teen and volunteered to hold a special prom for them at AB Hillsboro Village, the venue for live music and events that she and her husband, Derek Van Mol, jointly own.
She said, "It just really upset me that this child was not allowed to attend their prom because they weren't wearing a dress. It is that simple of an issue. And it's not OK," according to NPR. She posted about the event on social media after getting Hayes' approval, and a flood of local businesses wanting to give their services for the occasion responded.
The owner of Nashville's Apple & Oak, Allison Holley, established a GoFundMe campaign with the intention of raising $40,000 to 'Throw the Ultimate Prom for B'. Hayes chose Inclusion Tennessee and Oasis Center as the recipients of any further contributions.
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