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Students, parents unhappy with change to prom policy

MUNHALL, Pa. — A local high school is changing the rules, banning some people from coming to this year's prom.

Parents and students told Channel 11 they think the change is absurd, but district leaders told Channel 11 the decision was made for safety reasons.

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“I was already getting ready to get a new vest and tie and everything just cause we’re changing colors," said Michael Siefert. His girlfriend, Paige Miller, is a student at Steel Valley High School.

Several students told Channel 11 they are in a tough spot because of a recent change in the prom policy that prevents anyone who is not a student from attending.

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“It’s upsetting that we can’t take our own dates,” Miller said.

The policy just changed. According to the school handbook, students are allowed to bring guests who are not in high school and no older than 20-years-old.

"This is her last year. My daughter should not be stressed, I should not be stressed in this situation about my daughter going to the prom," said Doreen Cook Sanders, one of several parents, and students, that say they weren't properly notified.

These same parents and students told Channel 11 that district officials told them the change is because of a recent altercation at the semi-formal involving someone who wasn't a student.

Administrators made the change without involving the school board, parents claim.

Posted by WPXI-TV Pittsburgh on Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Parents said the superintendent told them via email that he did not know about the change until recently and that it was a high school administration decision based on student safety.

“I get the safety part of It but just because their older and out of high school does not mean that they are going to cause trouble," said Cory Beth Miller, a parent.

Channel 11 has reached out to the Steel Valley School District, Superintendent and school’s Principal several times and is waiting to hear back.

Parents are planning to speak out at the upcoming school board meeting.