An Alabama high school senior, Bryce Maine, wanted to take his grandmother to prom. She said “yes” and even bought a dress.
"She's never been to a prom so I figured, 'Why not take her?'" Maine said. "Every woman deserves to go to a prom, no matter how old you are."
But his school, Eufaula High School, has Dikembe Mutombo’d their plans.
The school says it feared allowing Maine’s grandmother to attend the prom would encourage other students to “make the school a mockery” and jokingly invite their grandparents.
Maine's cousin, Sarah Catherine, detailed the situation in a Facebook post Tuesday, and the story went viral.
The school’s policy is that prom attendees must be 20 years old or younger to prevent distribution of alcohol to underage students.
"For the 10 years I have been high school principal, we have denied requests each year from students asking to bring older dates to prom,” said Steve Hawkins, principal of Eufala City Schools, “We do not chance leaving any stone unturned when it comes to safety. Most high schools have an age limit for prom attendees."
Social media protested the situation using the hashtag #LetNannyGoToProm.
#LetNannyGoToProm come on! Look how pretty and excited she looks! She's never been to a prom! He's a sweetie for wanting to take her! pic.twitter.com/vPQ1sXEtpe
When many dismiss our seniors, this young person is embracing one to make her dream come true, he should be applauded. #LetNannyGoToProm
Of course the rules exist for good reasons, but common sense exists to tell them when exceptions should be made#LetNannyGoToProm
#LetNannyGoToProm Oh, no. We can't. We'll start a trend of grandsons (and granddaughters) showing kindness towards their grandparents.
Stop being the dad from footloose and let nanny go and dance #LetNannyGoToProm @BTtoronto
Don’t get too down about it, though, Nanny. Le’Veon Bell couldn’t go to prom either.
