In a significant oversight, a high school in Cheatham County, Tennessee, has declined to sell prom tickets to a homebound student, Emily Richards, who has cerebral palsy. Like many seniors, Emily had eagerly prepared for the event, with plans for a date, hair and makeup trials, and a beautiful red ball gown. However, upon attempting to purchase her prom tickets, she was informed by the school administration that, due to her participation in the homebound program, she was ineligible to attend the event.
Emily, who relies on a wheelchair due to her condition, is part of a district initiative designed to support students who are unable to attend school due to serious medical issues. Although she engages with her peers at various school events, the administration cited their policy that prohibits homebound students from being present on campus, including for extracurricular activities such as proms and dances.
According to a statement from Cheatham County Schools, Emily was made aware of the homebound program guidelines at the beginning of the academic year, which clearly state that students in this program are restricted from returning to school for any reason. The rationale behind this policy is that a medical professional has deemed these students too ill to participate in regular school activities.
Emily expressed her desire to experience prom like any other student, emphasizing her longing for the traditional aspects of the event, including the dress and the overall experience. She stated, “It’s not something I chose for myself, and it shouldn’t prevent me from enjoying social activities with my friends.” While she understands the medical rationale for her homebound status, she believes that it should not hinder her participation in significant events.
To seek a potential exception, the district has provided Emily with a form to fill out. However, her grandmother, Linda Johnson, argues that the principal has already made it clear that no exceptions would be made. She claims that the principal stated, “It was against the law, and it was not going to happen.”
Emily is advocating for a change in policy that would allow a case-by-case review for homebound students wishing to attend school functions. “If I can’t go to prom, I want to ensure that future students have the opportunity,” she said.
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In summary, Emily Richards’ experience highlights the challenges faced by homebound students in participating in traditional school events. The policies in place, while intended to protect students’ health, may inadvertently exclude them from valuable social experiences. Emily’s call for policy change could pave the way for greater inclusivity for future students in similar situations.
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