In a poignant story that highlights the challenges faced by students with disabilities, a high school in Cheatham County, Tennessee, has come under scrutiny after denying a homebound student the opportunity to purchase prom tickets. Emily Collins, a senior with cerebral palsy, had eagerly anticipated the event, meticulously planning everything from her stunning gown to hair and makeup trials. However, when she attempted to buy tickets, the school informed her that, as a participant in the homebound program, she was ineligible to attend.
Cerebral palsy restricts Emily’s mobility, necessitating her enrollment in the homebound program designed for students unable to attend school due to significant medical issues. Although she actively participates in school events like football games, the administration’s strict interpretation of homebound policies barred her from attending prom.
In a statement to local news outlet Channel 5, the Cheatham County Schools explained that students in the homebound program were made aware at the beginning of the school year that they could not attend school functions, including prom. The guidelines specify that students in this program should not return to campus for any reason, including extracurricular activities like dances and banquets. Their reasoning hinges on the assertion that a physician has determined these students are too ill to participate in school events.
Emily expressed her disappointment in an interview with a local station, saying, “I just want to experience the magical moments that every girl dreams of—dresses, hair, and the excitement of prom.” She emphasized that while her homebound status is necessary for her health, it shouldn’t preclude her from enjoying social experiences with her peers. “What most people don’t understand is that I’m not on this by choice,” she added, highlighting the need for empathy and understanding.
Despite being offered a form to request an exception, Emily’s grandmother, Sarah Johnson, reported that the principal was firm in his stance, stating, “It’s against the law. It’s not going to happen.” This leaves Emily advocating for a change in policy that would allow for case-by-case evaluations of homebound students wishing to participate in school activities. “If I can’t go to prom,” she insists, “I at least want others to have that chance.”
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Summary
Emily Collins, a homebound student with cerebral palsy, was denied prom tickets by her Tennessee high school, sparking a conversation about inclusivity and the challenges faced by students with disabilities. Despite her eagerness to partake in this rite of passage, the school cited strict homebound policy restrictions, leaving Emily advocating for policy change to allow greater access for students in similar situations.