No dress, no entry.
Nashville Christian School banned an 18-year-old student from their own senior prom for refusing to conform to its dress code, NPR reported.
B Hayes, 18, who identifies as nonbinary, revealed in an Instagram post over the weekend they were forbidden to take part in prom over their planned outfit, holding up a sign that read: “They wouldn’t let me in because I’m in a suit.”
“I should not have to conform to femininity to attend my senior prom. I will not compromise who I am to fit in a box. Who are you to tell us what it means to be a woman?” Hayes captioned the photo.
Nashville Christian School, a coed private institution for ages 6 weeks through 12th grade, did not immediately return a request from comment.
Its handbook online has strict beliefs on gender: “Identity — God created us as male or female, and we will live consistently with the gender God chose for us.”
The school told NPR in a statement that it “has established dress requirements for daily school attendance and at our special events. All students and families are aware of and sign an agreement to these guidelines when they enroll.”
Students and their families were aware of the expectations for prom attire prior to the event.
“While we certainly respect a student’s right to disagree, all of our students know from our school handbook that when they do not follow such expectations at school-sponsored events, they may be asked to leave,” the school also told NPR.
Hayes’ Instagram post left some outraged that the school would ban a student from attending their own prom over an outfit choice.
“Infuriating,” one user commented on Hayes’ Instagram post.
“You’re fighting the good fight,” another posted.
The post got so much traffic, members of the local community stepped in to offer support, with some suggesting putting on a special prom for Hayes.
Locals Marcie Allen Van Mol and her husband, Derek Van Mol, who together own a live music and event space in Nashville, offered up their venue. Marcie Van Mol told NPR it could serve as a “safe place for B to celebrate their prom,”
She led the charge and called on local business owners to help her plan a prom for Hayes and their friends.
Fellow business owner Alison Holley created a GoFundMe account titled “Throw the Ultimate Prom for B” to raise money for the event, which has already secured a photo booth, flowers and a performance from R&B musician Tone Stith, according to NPR.
The page has surpassed its goal of $25,000, securing more than $28,000 towards the big night.
Hayes will get to celebrate their big moment with 25 of their friends. Additional funds raised will be donated to Inclusion Tennessee and Oasis Center.