Mum confronts school after her daughter was told students aren’t allowed to say “no” to a boy when asked to dance.
Natalie Richard, from Utah, was speaking to her sixth-grade daughter about the upcoming Valentine’s Day dance at her school, Kanesville Elementary, when she was told about the controversial rule.
Her daughter explained that teachers had told the students, aged between 11 and 12, that they had to say “yes” when someone asked them to dance, shares The Independent.
“The teacher said she can’t. She has to say yes. She has to accept, and I said, ‘Excuse me’,” Ms Richard told Fox 13.
Shocked by the policy, the mother took her concerns to the school principal but was told that that’s just how they organise their dances.
Lane Findlay, community relations specialist with the Weber School District, confirmed that it is in fact a rule, but added that it’s meant to teach students how to be inclusive.
“We want to promote kindness, and so we want you to say yes when someone asks you to dance.”
Prior to the dance, which is voluntary, students are told to fill out a card by selecting five people they want to dance with. The administration says if there’s someone on the card you feel uncomfortable with, the student is encouraged to speak up.
“If there is an issue, if there’s students that are uncomfortable or have a problem with another student, I mean: that’s certainly something that can be addressed with that student and parents,” Findlay said.
However, Ms Richard believes there are other ways to teach children how to be accepting and that this method sends the wrong message.
“It sends a bad message to girls that girls have to say ‘yes’; sends a bad message to boys that girls can’t say ‘no’,” she explained.
“Psychologically, my daughter keeps coming to me and saying I can’t say ‘no’ to a boy.
“That’s the message kids are getting.”
When Fox 13 posted the story on its Facebook page, hundreds of alarmed parents commented in agreement.
Many were worried that teaching children to believe that “no” is an unacceptable answer could make them vulnerable.
Do you think the school is sending the wrong message to young girls?
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mom68673 said
- 09 Jan 2019
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mom101628 said
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- 14 Feb 2018
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nealsq said
- 13 Feb 2018
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mom93821 replied
- 16 Feb 2018 , 7:43 am
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mom90758 said
- 13 Feb 2018
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