Schools’ ‘prom-posal’ backfires with students

Roger Varley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Three Durham Region high school principals have created a stir with their decision to forego prom night for their graduating students, to the extent that CBC News reported on it and a couple of mayors jumped into the fray.

The principals of Uxbridge Secondary School, Brock High School and Brooklin High School sent out a joint letter to students and parents last Friday advising them there would be no prom at those schools. Melissa Lee of USS, Will Jovel of Brock HS, and Julie Mackenzie of Brooklin HS said in the letter that "growing expectations, liabilities and risks" make it difficult for schools to continue offering proms.

“Beginning this year, our school will be moving away from organizing a formal prom," the letter said.

The backlash was almost immediate and came from several quarters. Mike Jubb, mayor of Brock Township, posted on Facebook that he was saddened by the move and added: "I also have no idea on the reasoning that they are using."

Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy also waded into the debate, saying she has heard from “many disappointed students” and concerned parents who see prom “not just as a celebration, but as an important milestone marking the end of a significant chapter in students’ lives.”

“I’m pleased to see students using their voices to advocate on this issue – they deserve to be heard,” she said.

Students at Brooklin High School staged a walkout on Monday, with Brock High School planning one for Wednesday morning that, as of press time Tuesday, was still going ahead. Brooklin HS students have also created a GoFundMe to help seniors fundraise for a prom. They also plan to start a petition to reverse the school's decision.

The Durham District School Board said it has asked the schools to “pause” the decision adding: “We support change but have asked these schools to pause and to schedule opportunities to sit down with students and staff."

It added that the three schools have been asked to pause their decision.

However, the DDSB also carried the refrain of substantial increases in "the expectations, costs and liabilities associated with school-run end of year celebrations," but there was no explanation about what increased expectations and liabilities means.

According to the CBC news piece, Uxbridge Mayor Dave Barton said he is “happy to help out if families decide to organize their own prom, whether that be through providing contacts or even volunteering on the day.”