RI school says dad-daughter dances violate law

CRANSTON, R.I. (AP) — School officials in the Rhode Island city of Cranston have ended their traditional father-daughter dances and mother-son ballgames, saying the activities are a violation of state gender discrimination law.

School Superintendent Judith Lundsten tells the Providence Journal (http://bit.ly/Pv6SzE ) the move came in response to a complaint from a single mother, who brought her case to the American Civil Liberties Union after her daughter wasn't allowed to attend a father-daughter dance.

Lundsten says school attorneys found while federal gender discrimination laws exempt such events, Rhode Island's law does not.

School Committee member Janice Ruggieri says she believes the school system can adjust and host "family dances" to accommodate all types of parenting situations.

Information from: The Providence Journal, http://www.providencejournal.com

Cox Media Group