It has been a distracting week for students at a Connecticut high school, trying to focus while a "prom gown panel" meets nearby, judging whether dresses are appropriate for the social event of the season.
The panel of seven female staff members, dubbed the "taste police" by one student, was appointed to preside over the school's dress code. They have met over the past several days to determine whether gowns students had purchased weeks or even months ago were "appropriate and tasteful" enough for the dance scheduled just three days away.
Of the 109 gowns the panel evaluated Wednesday, 17 were "deemed inappropriate." That raised to the total number of rejected gowns to 32.
In the never-ending debate over dress codes, Shelton High School has found itself the latest to draw national attention on the topic. Last Friday, eight days before the May 16 prom, school headmaster Beth Smith reminded students of a dress code in an announcement over the school PA system. She made it clear that Plus Size Formal Dresses, gowns with side cutouts or exposed midriffs were not appropriate.
Students — and the parents who paid hundreds of dollars for their dresses, alterations and matching shoes and accessories — quickly panicked.
"I feel like maybe if they did this in January, we would be understanding, and be like, okay, that's fine. But eight days before wasn't okay, because every girl has bought her dress," said 17-year-old junior Alexis Gerics.
Alexis and others claim they were surprised by the dress code announcement. While school and district administrators insist the dress rules are in the student handbook, parents and students say they cannot find such specifics.
Last week, Alexis watched classmates grow distraught after Smith rejected evening dresses australia they had purchased.
"So I thought, all right, let me go down there just in case, so I don't get turned away at the door," she recalled.
As soon as Alexis showed Smith a photo of her long backless gown, she was told she would also have to wear a camisole if she wanted to wear it to prom. Shortly later, Smith made her announcement over the PA.
"I encourage any student who may have any doubt that your dress is not appropriate to show a picture to one of the housemasters or me before next Friday," Smith said. "Be proactive and allow yourself time to rectify any issues, prior to 6:00 next Saturday night."
Students were warned that inappropriate dress would prevent them from entering the dance and "there will be no refund."
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