ACLU defends Cranston schools' ban on father-daughter dances / Polls

[rachel1]

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The Rhode Island affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union on Tuesday defended Cranston school officials' decision to ban "father-daughter" and "mother-son" dances, saying they recognized that such events perpetuate gender stereotyping and violate federal law.

Steven Brown, executive director of the Rhode Island ACLU released a statement that said, "the school district recognized that in the 21st Century, public schools have no business fostering the notion that girls prefer to go to formal dances while boys prefer baseball games. This type of gender stereotyping only perpetuates outdated notions of 'girl' and 'boy' activities and is contrary to federal law."

On Monday, Sean Gately, a Republican running for the state Senate in District 26, denounced Cranston's decision to ban such gender-specific events.

Brown, of the ACLU, said the matter was "amicably resolved" in May and is now being used to stoke controversy during a political campaign.

http://news.providencejournal.com/breaking-news/2012/09/aclu-defends-cr.html

Hats off to the ACLU for their determination to end sexist and bigoted events like that one Cranston.

It's great to see the fundie reich-wingers all in a fuss because they were stopped from further brainwashing more of society with their garbage.

[SickOfTheOnePct]

1. A father-daughter dance is sexist and bigoted?

I've attended many with my daughers over the years, starting with the Snowflake Ball when they were both Brownies. I would hardly consider them sexist and bigoted.

Mothers were never banned - they could attend with their daughters if they wanted to, but it was meant as a way for fathers and daughters to bond. I see no problem with it.