LOUISVILLE, Ohio -
Louisville High School is holding its annual senior prom this Saturday. One student was told he couldn't go because his date was of the same sex.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio got involved and sent a letter to the school saying the student's rights have been violated.
Carrie Davis, a staff attorney at the ACLU, told FOX 8: "There have been a number of cases where this has happened before and the courts have said that a student has to be allowed to bring the date of their choice to their prom, that that's protected under the first amendment right to free association and freedom of expression."
Louisville School Superintendent David Redd said the issue wasn't just about same sex. There was also an age issue. The student had invited a 20-year-old friend who's in college.
After getting the ACLU's letter, the district changed its policy, allowing the student to attend the prom with his friend.
FOX 8 asked people what they think of the district's initial decision to ban that student from the dance.
Joe Frank, a Louisville resident, said "I think the school's in the wrong for doing that because it's the student's right and what they believe in and what they are."
Shari Pandrea, also a Louisville resident, told FOX 8: "I think the kids should have a right to bring whoever they want. It is their senior year. I don't think that they should be able to tell them who they can bring and who they can't bring."
Davis says there's a message here: "By speaking out this student helped not only himself but other students around Ohio who may face the same problem to know it's okay to stand up for your rights."
Courts across the country have also held that schools have to recognize gay student organizations just like any other organization.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio got involved and sent a letter to the school saying the student's rights have been violated.
Carrie Davis, a staff attorney at the ACLU, told FOX 8: "There have been a number of cases where this has happened before and the courts have said that a student has to be allowed to bring the date of their choice to their prom, that that's protected under the first amendment right to free association and freedom of expression."
Louisville School Superintendent David Redd said the issue wasn't just about same sex. There was also an age issue. The student had invited a 20-year-old friend who's in college.
After getting the ACLU's letter, the district changed its policy, allowing the student to attend the prom with his friend.
FOX 8 asked people what they think of the district's initial decision to ban that student from the dance.
Joe Frank, a Louisville resident, said "I think the school's in the wrong for doing that because it's the student's right and what they believe in and what they are."
Shari Pandrea, also a Louisville resident, told FOX 8: "I think the kids should have a right to bring whoever they want. It is their senior year. I don't think that they should be able to tell them who they can bring and who they can't bring."
Davis says there's a message here: "By speaking out this student helped not only himself but other students around Ohio who may face the same problem to know it's okay to stand up for your rights."
Courts across the country have also held that schools have to recognize gay student organizations just like any other organization.
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