#Roommates, we all remember school dances, especially being totally excited when your crush finally asked you to dance just before it ended. However, there were also those times when you were asked to dance by someone you definitely weren’t feeling and you politely declined. Well, if you were a student a one local Utah middle school, saying “no” would not be an option.
In an effort to make all students feel included, Rich Middle School in Laketown, Utah has a strict school policy that forbids all students from declining when asked to dance…even if they are not interested. @TodayShow reports, Alicia Hobson’s 11-year-old daughter Azlyn initially told a male student “no” when he asked her to dance, but she was stopped when the school’s principal, Kip Motta, overheard their conversation and proceeded to make Azlyn dance with the boy.
However, Principal Motta stands by his decision, saying:
“We do ask all students to dance. It is the nice thing to do and this will continue to be our policy. There have been similar situations in the past where some students have felt uncomfortable with others, and, as stated prior, the issues were discreetly handled. This allowed all students to feel welcome, comfortable, safe, and included.”
Principal Motta also added that Hobson always has the option to check her daughter out during school dances, which are held in the daytime during school hours.
Hobson recalled her daughter telling her that Principal Motta practically pushed her daughter into the boy’s arms despite her not wanting to do so. Hobson also revealed that her daughter was very emotional during and after the dance because she felt extremely uncomfortable.
Hobson wants the policy reversed and is prepared to go all the way to the school board to ensure it:
“Girls HAVE to learn that they have the right to say no and that those around them have to respect that. I’m not going to quietly stand by while my daughter and all of her classmates are being wrapped up in rape culture. No way.”
As of right now, there is no word on if Principal Motta has faced any disciplinary action for his policy surrounding school dances.
Roommates, what are your thoughts on this?
