Yes, but why did the principal sign the permission slip? If they truely didn't want him to attend then they shouldn't have approved it.

Do you want your work telling you what church to attend on Sundays? Or for that matter, what school to send your children to? How about what restaurants to go to on the weekends?

The school has no right to tell him what rules to follow when he is not at school or actively engaged in a school activity. They usurped the authority of his parents.

Can't wait for the lawsuit. Is the school willing to close their school when they lose? That is the question they need to ask themselves.

Unless this is a school that actually houses and therefore raises these students at all hours, they overstepped their boundaries. Unless he did something against the law, on his own free time, they have no leg to stand on. If he is not in their care during non-school hours, and he is not on the school property, they don't have jurisdiction. That's all there is to it.

You can simply say the school told him the consequences, so, "end of story".

With graduation so close, it's not that easy to switch schools on a whim, and perhaps he didn't realize before beginning school there that they weren't allowed to go to OFF-CAMPUS dances. That's like telling them what concerts they can and can't attend in their spare time just because the school forbids it. That's ridiculous. I've heard a lot of ignorant conflicts in my time, but this might just top the list.

Who prohibits dancing and why? There's no two ways around that...it's so stupid it's almost funny.

You know, this is really silly; the message I'm getting here is that this school and its religous beliefs prohibit fun of any kind. Wonder what they do to the kids caught 'entertaining' themselves in the utility closets or bathroom stalls? One million "Hail Mary's" and confinement to the confessional for a month?

"The Dangerous Lives of School Boys"

This is not an issue of how well the school stuck to its disciplinary procedures; the issue is with how far outside its boundaries the school stepped. I find their approach to religion frightening, and I am a devout Christian. Schools like Heritage are an embarrassment to people who believe in God. Theirs a disgustingly warped interpretation of faith. It's apparent to me that the people at Heritage aren't actually all that familiar with Christianity. It is a big no-no for human beings to assume the position of God; all Christians are entitled to a free agency by the very guidelines of their faith. That means that the student is actually allowed to govern himself, and to use his own discretion in applicable situations. As for rock music planting, haha, "seeds of rebellion" in young people's hearts? Wow... Heritage, you should consider propagating a different faith, one that encourages the employment of that kind of oppression. I hope this kid sues the school for all it's worth.

God bless the boy who attended prom. I hope not only that he had a fantastic time, but that he won't let this school's poor interpretation of Christianity stop him from believing in God, or anything else he chooses to believe in.

The boy knew what would happen before he went. Why is he going to this school if he doesn't agree with it's policies and regulations? Why is his dad going to sue? Didn't he send him to this school? Why would a parnet send a kid to a school with rules and beliefs that are not the same as yours? There's more going on here than we will ever find out or know.

The boy is not owned by the school. The boy worked 12 years to graduate and then it comes to this. My husband is a baptist minister and our kids go to public school. Prom is prom.. They can choose to do wrong and they can choose to do wrong. Those without sin cast the first stone. Just because the school did not agree, does not mean they can control what he does off the school premised.He could not help it if his girlfriend went to public school.She wanted to attend her prom as much as he watned to attend his. Maybe Christians would win more people to the Lord if so many of them didn't act "better than thou".

I'm sorry, but this was a private school and parents signed a contract before enrolling their son. Now, I'm not a fan of fundamentalist values myself, but unless you know the verbiage of that agreement, there is no way that you can know whether the family has any legal recourse. If the contract has the correct wording, then yes, the school might very well have the legal right to view personal-time behavior as a violation of said agreement. Now if the parents thought these terms were unreasonable, then they shouldn't have signed on the dotted line.

I am a christian and teach my children to have high standards but do not forbid them from being in the world or with those that are not christians. The best growth comes from being a role model, being able to say no, but still having fun. I do not see anywhere in the bible where going to a prom is wrong. Jesus was the perfect example and was among the masses. I feel this only makes christians out to be no fun. Teach your child to dance appropriately, to have good values and morals. I am afraid forbidding them from dancing, holding hands etc will only lead to rebellion and bitterness. The school should teach appropriate behavior at the prom or any other venue but not forbid. This is legalism. There is such joy in having a christian worldview and a relationship with Christ. I sure hope they are able to experience all God intended for their lives. Hopefully this will be just the start they need to show they have done nothing wrong and that they were able to go and enjoy themselves while continuing to hold high christian standards.

This was just his way of getting his 15 min. of fame. You don't to have like the rules or agree with them, the kid and his parents agreed to them when they went to that school before hand and the school has every right to enforce those rules.

He and his parents made sure they had news coverage and look it worked, he skipped school Monday to go to New York for a TV interview, I guess that's more important than finishing school, so I guess not graduating wasn't his worry and now he dragged his girlfriend into as well she skipped school too, because we all know that it's more important to get on TV than it is to live up to our agreements.

The school is going to have a good time defending this episode of moral stupidity - since the principal okayed it by signing his permission slip.

Are all baptists this brain-dead? or just the ones running schools?

I agree that the school's rules are a bit outrageous. But rules are rules. If they've made it clear from the beginning what was expected of their students, and have given them the knowledge of the consequences that they would face if they were to go against the rules, I don't think they're over stepping the boundary. This applies to some workplaces as well, where people are not permitted to have tattoos or certain piercings, over even have relationships within the company. Although these rules do not apply to all workplaces, people have the choice of choosing whether or not they would want to work in a place with such rules, and if they broke the rules, they would also have consequence. It's exactly the same in this case. The parents of this boy chose this school for him, therefore should accept that their son has broken the rules and face the consequences.

However, once you leave school grounds, school has no power over you.

Do you want your work telling you what church to attend on Sundays? Or for that matter, what school to send your children to? How about what restaurants to go to on the weekends?

Do you think this isn't happening?  The hospital that my sister works at has a policy just put in place that you cannot smoke--- there or at home.  Gave them so much time to quit.  They could lose their health insurance if they are smoking.  Places of employment can and do tell you what you can do with your free time.  Although I think the school is wrong in what they are doing -- he knew what would happen.  I went to public school and we couldn't have boys/girls from other schools at our prom-- principal wouldn't allow it and highly discouraged anyone from dating outside of our school.  They have rules - I don't agree with them, but they have them.

They have rules in place and everyone knows what they are. I don't agree with this rule but, as I've seen on NV many times, we are a nation of laws. If you don't like them you can fight to change them and if I was this boy I would fight to change it. If everyone broke the rules/laws because they didn't agree with them, what chaos would that cause? Follow the rules/laws or suffer the consequences!

I don't agree whatsoever with the notion that dancing is immoral, and I think it completely sucks to deny a teen going to the prom with his girlfriend.

HOWEVER, that's why I wouldn't join that particular religion or send my child to that school. They have every constitutional right to do what they did IF he/his parents knew they would be enforcing those religious beliefs. It's a religous school, and I would never tell them they can't practice their religion just because I personally disagree with it.

He signed a statement agreeing to the rules at the beginning of the school year. The school is also letting him get a diploma once he completes his exams.

If the school teaches to state standards and graduates its students with a state approved diploma, they can't say what he does on his own time. Otherwise, strip the school of authority to issue state diplomas and let it issue whatever other pieces of paper they want!

Frost's father, Stephan Johnson, said he plans to file a lawsuit against Heritage Christian, looks more like the dad in the movie Water Boy than the movie Footloose.

Different last names I wonder if this Dad even paid for any of this kids schooling in the first place, dosn't matter now he's on TV and suing. Just looking to make a buck off his kid.

really!! how many time have you broken a rule? How many times have you been pulled over or stopped by the police and let go?? everyone makes mistakes, his mistake was being honest and telling them what he wanted to do..some rules are outdated and harmful..

I personally think that there is too much legalism in this situation. Us god followers are called to Love God and Love Others...we are not to be isolated from the rest of the world. There are good people @ public school proms, I think the school went a little too far. they shouldn't major on minor issues...no where in the Bible does it say not to go to school dances. This boy did nothing wrong...this type of situation gets everyone hating those who are followers of god, not everyone is like this!

To everybody saying the kid shouldn't be in the school if he doesn't agree with the rules, how many high school students do you know that get to pick what school they go to? I don't know about his parents, but if my parents forced me in to some religous school with values I didn't agree with, I'd be happy to do something like this just to make my point. Sounds like the kid was the only one WITHOUT rights in this situation, pretty typical really.

You need to get a reality check,lady!! This school is NOT allowed to dictate ANYTHING he does on his own time, unless it's illegal. Typical holyrollers that think they are better than everyone else, and claim that everything is evil. Sounds like a cult to me.

After reading most of the comments everyone seems to be stuck on the legality or fairness of the decision. Regardless I think this brings up an issue greater than their beliefs, the boundries they can work in, etc. He was warned and made a decision. Everyday we are faced with choices that are not always fair in most minds but they exist. We need to set their reasons to the side and ask the question, why do we stand by someone who chose to break a rule and call the rule the issue, especially a voluntary rule?

Yes there are times when rules need to be fought like segregation etc. Yet those are rules that are in a different category. That would be a public rule which goes against the constitution's equality clause. In this case the rule is voluntary within a private organization and therefore a choice to not participate in the school is the proper recourse.

I do agree the rule is absurd. In fact I would not send my children there or would have wanted to go myself. Yet the issue is as a parent if my children break a rule that they knowingly were willing to break then they have to face the consequences. Point blank, if you do not like the rule help to change it or make the choice to go where the rule does not apply.

That is one great thing about America, we do have the choice to live with varied rules and organizations. This school has as much right to make the rule and we all have to disagree with it and send our children elsewhere. If they try to sue and bring lawyers in then we are just destroying another part of America. We cannot open our minds so far trying to be fair and equal that our brains fall out.

It's the same as hating an officer for giving a ticket when speeding then wishing they'd pull over someone who cut you off on the road. We cannot have it both ways. Perhaps this young man instead of flying to NY to cry about it on Public TV he can work with the school to accept an alternate punishment and graduate. We need to move beyond this attitude of breaking rules and hoping the blogosphere will come to the rescue villianizing the rule makers. How will we ever teach our children to obey the laws if we only follow them when it's convienant?

Nicely put Ryan. If we disobeyed or broke every rule or law that we didn't agree with where would that leave us. I think speed limits are ludacris, I should be able to speed since I'm a race car driver and can handle driving at high speeds.

Does anyone here really believe that the contract with the school terminated parental rights and responsibilities? Please! School time, school property, school functions only.

I went to private school and I assure all of you that my mom and dad did not give the nuns custody of me at any time, agreement or not. No rules were broken by this young man. The school agreement does not cover the time you are under your parents authority. I know this because I attended private school and when not at school or school functiions, my parents-not the nuns- were the bosses.

There is a "contract" between student, parent, and school. In this "contract", the student is to abide the rules of the school - that's what the student's parents agreed to and they're the bosses. The basis of this school is Fundamental Baptist, so those rules apply - which I'll go out on a limb and assume this is also the religion of the students and family (else why be there?) - and I doubt they were just made up last week.

Now the student (and parents, since they are the boss) have a choice: conform, or go elsewhere. The school, being private, risks loss of those tuition funds and other funds lost if other students - emboldened by this issue - also leave.

This will shock a great many people - but THAT is the free, American way

Let's not confuse this issue with public schools, please. Public schools not only severely limit choices (usually to one), but by having a "one-size-fits-all" approach and forcing attendance and payment, they give up the right to make any more than the most basic of rules - and those only in school, during school hours.. As there is no equitable contract, I would fight any attempts to use out-of-school activities as a bar to attend classes.

This issue is not only with a private school, but one with a specific religious basis - known to the parents at enrollment.

The school signed the bloody permission slip, how stupid can you get? Also, all this kid has to do is turn on the TV and he'll see "low cut dresses, that create lustful thoughts" (Principal quote). If the school signed the form, why is this an issue? Yes there's rules, but by signing that form it should have eliminated any need for them, the school officials would know EXACTLY what kind of things would be happening at this prom, the same things for which they suspended him for.

Basically, the boy gave his answer: christian fundamentalism is just plain FOOLISH! I STILL can't believe, today in the 21st century, we still deal with this religous BS!! From the begining, the Religious have had this opposition to ENJOYING LIFE and HAVING FUN!! They need to get OVER THEMSELVES!!

I appreciate your attitude of tolerance. If society as a whole were as open-minded as you are to belief systems different from their own, this country would be a better place.

Be careful who you judge. You have the right to do so, living in America; but don't think you are any different from the group you are criticizing. Why do you care so much how an 84-student private Christian school in rural Ohio administrates itself and its clearly-stated policies? Who are you to judge?

The school followed its rules and policies. He attended the religious based school so should follow policies and procedures. Do I agree with the policies? Absolutely NOT!

I agree with you. I also think the man (boy) should re-evaluate his beliefs. My church is Fundamental and that's exactly why I go there. If I wanted to be more liberal I would attend my husband's church.

The school didn't follow its rules and policies when it came to giving this boy permission. It's a hypocritical mixed message to this young man and all school attendees. Many people send their kids to private schools to eliiminate state interference. Now this.

This school is not acting in a Christian manner and frankly, I hope somebody closes it down.

I don't particularly like what the principal did, but simply reading the philosophies of the school he attended since kindergarten should have made him realize that this was going to be a sticking point. When a religious based school promotes "self-denial" as shown as one of their principles on their website, he should have followed what he and his parents apparently hold as their goals and beliefs in life.

Somehow though I can't get past the fact that this was all building up beforehand and it just seems like his minute in the national spotlight was maybe more important than the issues.

Had he and his parents felt strong enough about this, the procedure should have been to resolve it before attending the Prom either through appeals at the school level or legally. Not afterwards.

The only fundamentalist Baptists I know are total hypocrits. The 27 year old has 2 kids from two different men, neither of which she married. They do drugs and break the law. They prey on the elderly, scamming them out of posessions and money while they are "Taking care" of them. They are racist. And then they have the NERVE to lecture me about going to hell because I am not "Saved!?". I am a good person and a Buddhist who has never done any of the things they do. Yet in their warped view, they are going to heaven and I am going to hell lol! I feel sorry for them really.

You people who say that the school was right are wrong. The school was a complete idiot. Yes, they told him what would happen if he went to prom first, but that doesn't make a difference. If the police tell me that if I drink water, then I'll go to jail for 10 years and I almost faint from lack of water so I drink some and then go to jail, that doesn't mean the police were right just because they told me the consequences. If you had to choose between 10 years in jail and staying alive what would you choose? If alQaeda had told us about 9-11 before they did it and then done it people would have still died. Maybe we would have been better prepared, but not enough to save all of those poor people. A word to the wise: Religion is just trust in something you have no proof in. You can trust that but you shouldn't force other people to even if you want. Also, it was not the kid who commited to going to the idiot school, it was his parents.

Personally, I'd gladly clean toilets for a living or even muck out barns before I would let ANYONE tell me how to live my private life.

Then again, my ancestors came to America back when people did that because they wanted to be free -- they wanted the right to live their own lives as they saw fit (within the bounds of a pretty forgiving legal system), without the interference of others. Not like modern times, when people mostly come here because they think it's a 'get rich quick' scheme that sometimes works. :P

The citizens of any nation only have the freedoms they're willing to stand up for, and I would fight to the death before I would allow anyone to impinge upon my right to conduct my private life as I see fit. If you don't feel the same way, not only is your classification as an American highly questionable in my eyes, but so is your classification as a human being, let alone a worthwhile human being.

Do you believe a your school should be able to dictate what you do in your home or outside of school

He knew what was right and wrong. He will have to answer to God and only God. If this was the beliefs of his school then he knew the rules. If he disagreed with them he should have talked to some one of authority to get them changed. He should of tried everything he could have to make them understand. If not; it is the same as breaking the LAW!!!!!!!!! He must be punished with in school guidlines. HERE IS AN IDEA!!!! HE COULD ALWAYS CHANGE SCHOOLS!!!!!!!!!

End of story my ass. I'm sure whatever papers were signed did not include controlling the students lives outside of campus.

I totally agree but i also disagree. I can understand he wanted to go to the prom. but if your believe states rules against music and dancing and holding hands then you need to follow thru or change your believe. you cannot have both. Yes its a right of passage to go to a prom. but the prom wasnt at his school it was at his GFs ?!!

I drive a school bus and have a CDL licence. anything i do in my own car affects my job. fair? no.. fact yes.. If i decide on friday night to smoke some stuff i shouldnt but what the heck its friday night no work tomorrow.. and monday i get a drug test Im no longer a school bus driver.. fair no!! it was on friday night, the effect of it has worn out come monday.. but i would still loose my job. It would be MY CHOICE to do so, knowing the consequences could be loosing my job!! Loving my job to no extent i wouldnt do anything to jeopardise my job. so i dont drink or "smoke"

So.. whats the point of this?? he knew the consequenses but still proceeded to go to the prom. so he made HIS CHOICE so now he has to face the consequenses. Sorry

The school signed the permission slip allowing him to go.

Yes, they have rules and told him the consequences if he were to follow through with his actions. But then again... The school signed the permission slip allowing him to go.

The fact that this school said one thing, and then did another (signing the permission slip), and are now trying to solely punish this graduate is absolutely absurd. It sounds like to me that these school officials have no idea what they are doing.

Yes, his parents signed a contract permitting him to go to the school; and who knows what that contract stated or didn't state. Maybe the parents didn't know what they were in for, or maybe they did. But we have to come back to the simple fact that... The school signed the permission slip allowing him to go.

If it was that major, they shouldn't have given him the go-ahead.

I voted for the wrong answer! I think it is so stupid that somebody can not even hold hands with somebody! Religion is so @!$%#ed up these days.

WRONG! ok just because he goes to school there deosn't mean he wanted to go there. I'm sure he didn't get signed up to be on house arrest be what people think is right in religion. What would God think of the people running the school? Honestly. It's ruining true American freedom. People need to stop changing religion. There is only ONE God.

Would he be suspended for holding his grandmothers hand to help her cross the street?

I think a lot of you are avoiding the bigger picture. The school has values fine. The question is should those values still be imposed outside of the school.

yes they should be imposed outside of school.

Your parents tought you not to steal so you just not steal at home but its ok elsewhere? the school being a Baptist school is a way of life!! not just a school they go to to be educated. they learn to live by the word of God as they interpreted it... its a choice his parents made so YES it is imposed outside of school as it should be

While I agree with the school for telling them up front and standing beside it's rules. I do think outside of school bounds the parents, not the school, has the right to tell the a student what they can and cannot do particularity if no laws were broken. And rules stick a law only has value within the bound of the institution writing those laws, for example dry/wet counties.

Also no one would have known or cared where the student went if the school had not have made a big deal about it.

One more thing, are they going to suspend a student for listening to music or holding hand in a parent's private home next?

They knew what would happen once the media got involved. It was his senior economics class project = figure out how to get on TV and sue someone before you graduate...... Mick said it best.. you can't always get what you want, but sometimes you get what you need and this kid and parents need a reality check. What a great country that we have made for ourselves, wake up people.....

Whenever and wherever the American Taliban rears its ugly head, it should be exposed to the light of day in front of as many people as possible, and to the examination that it can't afford people to do.

For years, they've beaten the drums, shouted about culture war, and tried to provoke the rest of us into a fight.

Fine, they've got their wish.

Whining that they're losing only serves to add 'weakling' and 'sore loser' onto their list of flaws, a list that already includes virtually every negative trait that it's possible for humans to have.

You are stupid to let a religion run your life.

The whole point of having religion is to live according to its precepts. Think before you write.

If that were true, Maria, religion would not exist anymore. Every person I know that regularly goes to church or practices a specific religion decides for themselves what parts of their religion they will follow and will not follow. Some concepts in religion are absolutely immoral, wrong and misguided. We are thinking human beings and need to sift through the garbage included in every religion.

I agree with Maria. Thats why you chose your religion, to fit your own values. If you want to dance go to a school that allowes it.

MARIA: I'll bet you would have been right there when they wanted to burn the "witches" of Salem. You would fit right in. An awful lot of religion is structured to CONTROL the people that practice it. In other words, they are mostly man made and man manipulated for their own self serving power trips. Oh, and lets not forget: They want your $$$$$$. All of it they can get their hands on.

.......You are stupid to let a religion government run your life......

Yet we see it all the time and there is NO difference. Religion and government each have the same goal - regardless of their purity of origin - and that is to control people. That is also why they are often at odds - until religion takes over government.

The whole point of having religion is to live according to its precepts. Think before you write.

Hmm... and I thought the point of a religion was to learn about the powers that be, not to have some old guy with a long white beard take over where your parents left off, because you don't want to finish growing up.

Are you so sure you're the one who is thinking? I don't see much evidence of it...

I was with you in the first statement, but religion is ment to run your life. What ever a person truly believes in is what is supposed to guide their life. On the other hand a person should not allow a minister, priest, pastor, etc. dictate right and wrong based on their beliefs as opposed to what the Bible, Koran, or whatever other religous book really says. And no he did not do anything wrong. Values are beliefs. Him valuing his girlfriend's feelings and special moment were important. Plus the the prom wasn't even at the school that suspended him.

Anyone who finds that religion is running their lives has obviously made a very poor choice in religions.

We believe many, many things... one type of house pet is superior to another, that one color is more aesthetically appealing than another, that one style of shoe is more comfortable than another, and so on. Since when did a person who isn't extremely maladjusted allow a preference for cats, blue, and sneakers run their lives?

Frankly, if you're even vaguely functional, religion is no different.

Why is it scary? I am one of those 20%. I am not religious at all and have never even been inside a church. This is not a public school they are talking about, its a private school. I disagree with the school and believe that a school should not have any control over my children outside of school.....so I don't send them to a fundamental babtist private school. However, I also do not think its my right to tell someone that they are not allowed to pay and CHOOSE to send their child to that type of school if it is that meaningful to their personal values. Thats why every parent has the choice of private school or home schooling. Its not my cup of tea, but its available to those who choose that life style.

I agree with Madison in Mass. He is attending a Private school, therefore the rules that apply are governed by the school. He was told what the consequences would be IF he chose to break the rules. The school has to stand by the consequences otherwise, it is just an empty threat. What would that say to the other students? I don't agree with the rules BUT like Madison, that is the reason why my children did not go to this type of school but I would defend anybody else's right to send their children to that same school if they choose to!

I agree with Madison and Thoutz - they CHOSE the school and should live up to its rules and consequences. There are some instances in school, work and church that are affected by what you do in your private life - ask the cheerleading coach that lost her job for posing nude.

The school doesn't have the right to enforce their rules outside the school. That's all there is to it.

Does the kid have a lawyer yet?

I agree with Madison in Mass. also. This is a private school, with rules that only apply to students who's parents choose to send them there.

I also believe the best way to protect my rights is to protect the rights of others.

I don't think the 20% (including myself) are saying that they agree with the schools rules- we are saying that he agreed to those rules and should have adhered to them. If he didn't like the rules, he should have changed schools.

Does the kid have a lawyer yet?

And that ladies and gentalmen is the true moral of this story, find any reason to get on TV and then sue because that's the american way.....

I'm one of the 20% and I'm an agnostic.

My vote was based on the fact that there was a legal agreement made between the parents and the school, and as a private business, they are entitled to exercise their options within the framework of said contract. The parents had the right to decide whether they wanted their son to attend the school under the stated conditions. They signed the contract, which means that they found the terms acceptable.

Those who voted against the school think they're fighting for freedom, but the irony is that they're advocating its opposite. They want our government to make regulations about what kind of contracts and agreements we're "allowed" to draft and sign. Do you really think the Court should have the power to override contracts just because popular opinion opposes the beliefs of one party? That's a dangerous precedent.

Now, I read someon's comment about the employer's ultimatum on smoking...well guess what? If our society wasn't so regulation-happy when it comes to unpopular beliefs or behaviors, employers would shy away from the bad publicity that such "Big Brotherish" policies would produce. When people keep voting for more and more government regulation, however, it proves that our population values the mob mentality more than true freedom, and employers feel safe in proposing an invasive policy that is currently supported by popular opinion. (And yes, it is different from the school example, because all of the students were subject to the same conditions of the agreement. In the case of singling out smokers, one could claim discrimination. I mean, do they have the same policy for people who drink a lot, hang glide, rock climb, or have tons of casual sex?)

Janeinthisworld is totally missing the point. The point here is that a family CHOSE to send their child to a school with complete knowledge and understanding of that school's vison, mission statement, rules, etc. They signed a form stating they would abide by that. The school has the authority to enforce the guidelines. Any family not committed to adhering to the school's code of conduct has every right to withdraw from the school and take their children elsewhere. This school did not force any person to enroll. If we don't teach our children about honoring commitment and keeping our word, we are doing a huge disservice to them.

How are they missing the point? oh that right, they're not. The idiots that are agreeing with this "school" ought to be shipped to the commie county of their choice.

So should you for saying in Any moral situation it is ok to break the rules you do not like and keep the ones you agree with...It is a sad state of affairs that being a moral person is an "Idiot" in your words...I feel very sorry and sad for you and anyone that supports your viewpoints...But you are appently the type that everyone else is stupid when it doesn' agree with your point of view...Is it ok to gripe and complain and sue the cop who pulls you over for breaking the rules? Get a grip!!

So, J-777612; remind me never to enter into a contract with you.

He made a conscious choice on his own convictions - and I applaud that. However, his PRIVATE, RELIGIOUS-BASED school was right to suspend. Now - since he did not conform - he might convince them to change; repent and conform; convince his parents to let him go elsewhere; or remove himself from either and go his own way.

I haven't a religious bone in my body and think religions a waste of time: they are a construct of man, with the intent to control others.

Yet I'm one of the 20%

You guys are largely bickering over the wrong issue. An "agreement" which substantially alters what is understood to be a HS education should not be allowed to issue diplomas. Diplomas are public documents with legal consequences. I, for one, would not be interested in hiring a high school graduate who had never danced or held hands, because they lack experience in handling ordinary things and people. How am I to know if he or she has been artificially deprived of basic social skills if all I see is a diploma? This and other schools who go this far should not be allowed to issue diplomas, rather some sort of certificate of completion to those who complete the course of study offered by the school, or a certificate of compliance with its extensive set of peculiar rules -- so I am informed. It's like the difference between civil unions and marriages, isn't it?

Private schools still have to meet the minimum academic standards put forth by the government...most of them actually outperform public facilities. The religious policies are separate from the academic, and provided the school isn't pushing illegal behavior, it's covered under religious freedom...as it should be. Nobody should be forced to send their kids to a school that upholds values they don't agree with, nor should children be punished with a "certificate" for their parents exercising their constitutional right to religious freedom. Parents aren't forced into sending their kids to religious schools, why should religious parents be forced into sending their kids to secular schools?

As far as not hiring someone simply because their diploma came from a religious school, then you would be guilty of religious persecution/discrimination, and deserving of a lawsuit. Then again, I shouldn't be surprised at such an admission to bigotry, since you were essentially proposing a paper-based brand on those with certain religious beliefs. (A "certificate" for people who graduated from a religious school...jeez.)

So should you for saying in Any moral situation it is ok to break the rules you do not like and keep the ones you agree with...It is a sad state of affairs that being a moral person is an "Idiot" in your words...

In such a situation, you have a moral duty to do what you feel is right. If that doesn't square with someone else's idea of morals, so long as you're not breaking the law of the land, then that's just too bad. You do as you feel is right, and they can fret, wring their hands, and whine about it at their leisure.

Welcome to America, land of the free. I suggest you either love it, or leave it and move to the totalitarian hellhole of your choice.

probably not... because remember he's not allowed to hold hands.

So I guess that him having a boyfriend is definitely out.

That's great jrschw-HB! Good one. My guess is, if he had a boyfriend the principal and board would have a stroke! After reading a lot of the comments by other people I'm beginning to change my mind just a bit. If you enroll your student in a private school then you do have to follow their rules (even if the rules are invasive and ridiculous). My son went to a private Catholic high school and he was not allowed to wear an earring to school. If he wore the earring he was told he could go to another school. That simple. He chose to remain sans the earring which he was also not allowed to wear at home or when visiting family members. He is now 41 and the father of two children. He has chosen not to wear the earring.

Everyone's talking about "A private school's rules". Whether it's a private or public school rules exists, but they are not and should not be enforced outside of the school (Private or Public). When dealing with values in regards to education the most a school should be allowed to do is HOPE the values instilled in their students guide their action outside of the school. To say it's okay for him to be punished due to it being a private school crazy. As said earlier had someone told on him for dancing at home or listening to rock on a ipod at home do you all really think he would still been punished. If your answer is yes then you should be able to see how unreasonable this situation is.

Well said Wurldwyde. I had been thinking along the same lines. What if he were in his own home, doing those things? What then?

Unless the boy worked for the money for his prom "trappings", [tux, etc] then doesn't this also mean that the parents supported his choice to go with his girlfriend? If they supported his choice, then were they not also in effect telling him that they thought the policy unfair, and that he should do as he saw fit?

I honestly believe that the school's powers should not extend beyond it's campus. If he was on his own time, and not under his school's supervision, then he should have a freedom of choice, as given by his parents.

But that's just my opinion. The thing about opinions being like "bums" Everyone has one, some just stink worse than others.

He did break his religions law.

He broke the moral rule of the school he attended. Moral rules are like hamburger franchises: cheap and anybody can have one

rbass, the Christian religion says nothing about dancing being wrong. Actually the Bible speaks many times about dancing. David, a man after God's own heart, danced and it speaks of dancing in Psalms. If a school claims to be "Christian," they should probably look at some Scripture instead of disgracing the Christian Religion

Broke what religious rules. So did the Pharisees. Whose "religious rules" are we talking about?

Some people are saying "rules are rules, and you agreed to obey the rules." The problem with that argument is that "rules" may indeed be unreasonable or outrageous. If the rules required him to burn a cross in the yard of a black family, would he be obliged to obey them?

In this case, the rules far exceed any real Biblical prohibitions and do not promote spirituality in the least. They are there for the leaders of the school to feel that they have *control* of the individual, even in the least of things.

The school may be within their rights to suspend him. It would be better for the young man to leave the school and finish up elsewhere. The "Christian" school is promoting an un-christlike religiousity, the kind of religious nonsense that Christ Himself derided -- "teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."

And just how would you teach the young man about keeping the rules he agreed to?

Oh I forgot this is America we make the rules as we go and then if we don't like them we make a new rule to over ride the rules. I feel the PARENTS where in the wrong for letting him go after they all knew the rule. I am Baptist and proud of it. And as far as the Bible go's - Read it before you try to stand behind it. If I was the Pastor of the church I would not allow him to Grad. it looks like he needs another year in school to learn - You give your word you keep it!

Aww, what's the matter? did he think for himself, instead of submitting to slavery? Poor widdle baby... like most of his kind, Ken gets so upset when he can't control people. One year or a hundred, people like that kid would die before they would submit. Why? They actually have values, rather than the shoddy, overmarketed pretense thereof. :P

Do you own a new black Cadillac, Ken? Perhaps a similar luxury automobile? I ask merely for information's sake. About week ago, some old guy with a clergy tag on his rearview mirror and a Jesus-shouting front plate visited somebody a few houses down the block where I live. Somehow, I don't think that a black Caddy for the minister to swank around in was what his congregation was thinking of, when they put their money in the collection plate. Then again, it's not like he was trying to hide his purchase. Perhaps he has them so thoroughly bamboozled that they feel it is a religious duty to give him 10% of their income, so he can swank around in a new black Caddy.

Making slaves of the free can be an extremely lucrative business, I guess. :P

Maybe the congregation loves their pastor and decided to upgrade his old clunker. "Just because a preacher lives in a big house (goes fishing in HIS boat) and drives an expensive car, he's gotta be a hireling."

My pastor brings in nearly $70K. You know why? We, the church, want him to have it. He did the work to bring the church from nothing (he started it himself) to over 800 faithful members with a $240K budget...yeah, he ought to drive a nice car. What you are describing is not about slavery. It is about the Biblical system of giving. Give and it shall be given.

And NONE of this is the subject at hand. But you have shown your ignorance and are way out of line...I just wanted to educate you.

haha good call buddy. i had 8 years of CCD and 4 years of catholic high school. needless to say, we're in the same boat.

24/7 world news coverage seems to run out of anything newsworthy after the first twenty minutes or so.

This way, "hometown news" seems more exciting AND some of the local newspeople might just get a national-news job!

Now that they are "famous", these kids might just find a job in NY

the reason why the story made headlines is that we as a society like to judge people who have stricter standards than we do - even when those standards don't apply to us. It's easy to marginalize them as extremist because they are so unlike what seems to be normal.

Society has this irrational fear that people who live strict moral lives will eventually force their beliefs and standards on everyone else. And yet, that's exactly what society is doing to this Christian school. Because they are too strict, and thus wrong, they need to change this oppressive rule and let the kid go to prom, even when he (and his parents) have committed to uphold the standards of the school (by the way, Tyler went to the school from Kindergarten to 12th grade. That's right - it's a K-12 school and he was a student there for all 13 years of his education). So who now is being oppressive, and who is being oppressed? Why can't the school be "free to choose" to run itself the way it wants, and enroll those who agree with this way?

So much for a tolerant society. At least the school admits that they don't tolerate certain behavior. Not to be wordy, but true toleration will tolerate the intolerant.

A true tolerant society makes sure there are NO schools or companies that do NOT tolerate thing everyone has a right to, and everyone has the right to decide who he holds hands with in his own time.

I somewhat feel where you're coming from about religion. I'm not Catholic, nor have I been to a private school but the silly values, rules, and morals a lot of churches impose on people have little to do with real religion, so don't let a few bad apple's spoil the overall purpose for religion. I can't stand churchs for the most part so for now I've chosen to read the bible my self without the influence of someone else's interpretation. Then if there's something I don't understand I'll do my own research including ask a pastor what they think.

But you don't make the school rules, so it really doesn't matter what you think about the rules. The question isn't whether you agree with the values of the school or not, it's whether or not the consequence was appropriate. To me, the principal signed the permission slip. That should have been the end of the story, because he said "okay, you can go". Now, if that slip weren't signed, he should just deal with the consequences, because he didn't have permission and knew what the consequences were.

I'm sorry Nicole, I don't agree with you. By signing the slip, the principal was giving the boy a choice of whether or not he wanted face the consequences by going, or not go at all. Without the slip signed, the boy would not be able make a decision at all, and an even bigger controversy would arise because he had no choice.

I agree with nicole, the principle signed a "permission" slip, thereby giving the boy "permission" to go !! I'm sure the slip did NOT read "choice" therefore the principle created the exception to the rule by signing it. A clearer messege would have been to not sign and see if the boy showed up at the dance with a forged slip. As it stands now, I believe the boy and the principle both showed their true colors.

I don't recall reading anywhere this principal- he's the one being interviewed- comparing himself to God. Where did that come from?????

Gee Sorry Didnt realize how sensitive you are. Maybe you and him can get together and make up more rules on how to stop all the Proms in this country. If you actually believe this guy doesnt have a God complex then you are living in a fantasy world. Remember what happen to Jim Jones and his Followers.

I don't agree with the schools policies....but, he did sign a contract at the beginning of the year agreeing to not do the things he is being suspended for. It might not be right, but he agreed to rules...in writing...so he knew what he was in for.

So people are sheep for following the rules of their religion? What about all the sheep who shelled out $150 bucks, not counting clothes, limos and such for a stupid school dance?

All people follow a herd mentality at some point in their life.

Going to a prom isn't against religion, duh.

Let's just say for sake of argument that going to the prom was against religion. In Tyler's case I believe it is dancing that his religion forbids. Either way shape or form, how in the heck is the school allowed to step in and punish him. That can't dictate what he does on his own free time! At the very most he went against his religion and that would be something discussed by his clergy men or his god. And all they could do is speak with the boy. So the school can have all the stupid silly rules they want. Ans some people might agree with this rule HOWEVER he was out of school on his own free time. How is that any of the schools business? Example: My work dose not allow drinking at work or being drunk at work THAT IS A RULE, however once I'm off for the day and I go hit happy hour with my friends, my work can't reprimand me even though I did sign a contract with my place of employment that I would follow there rules or risk termination. That does not mean that on my free time if I consume alcohol that my work has any authority to tell me what I can do on my free time much less punish me for it. I have two son's and if the worst thing they ever do is go to a prom that is against there religion and school rules (while at school that is) then I will be eternally gratefully. Like the lady said some where in the above replies maybe his god had him there for a reason to preach his word and his beliefs. That boy has gone to school for 13 years, to not let him graduated ( and let's just say I fully agree the boy was wrong and disobeyed the rules) is absolutely not a justified punishment.

I don't really think you know what you're talking about. Prohibiting dancing and holding hands in no way compares to what the Taliban does. The school shouldn't dictate free time, but the parents and student signed a contract saying that they would abide by the rules. So, he has to abide by the consequences too.

Also, insisting on normalcy in childhood is in NO way an excuse to break the rules.

I think the comparisons do know what they're talking about. The Taliban have a view of Koran as holy write, read it legalistically (but of course in such a way that suits their predilections on the lack of rights of women and the belief in Sharia Law, interpreted in the "right" way by judges appointed by them, don't believe in the rights of anyone to question either them or their judges, and believe in the absolute damnation of anyone who disagrees with them).

Anyone here who says a rule is a rule, without looking at the basis of the rule, is essentially arguing for a legalistic view of the right of a self-appointed principal of a school to dictate behavior of students outside the school. The Taliban and their Judges would condemn to death a boy and girl for hand-holding. And I suspect Mr. Principal and many of those who say "a rule is a rule" apparently would agree--for all laws should be upheld. And when you were born in Afghanistan or Pakistan you "signed on" to the "social contract" didn't you.

Remember the Pharisees and Saducees were "upholders" of the law against that enemy of the law Christ. For a law is a law, isn't it. I think many of you upholding this as good religious behavior need to read the indictment of this legalism in Hebrews. But instead many of you are listening to Pastor Bob (or whatever his name is) so he can tell you that a law is a law. Pastor Bob and the rest of you "law is a law" as a form of good Christianity might want to reread the line about a mote in another's eye and the log in one's own eye. And think about the ground on which the cruxifiction was justified--as I recall Christ was crucified as s disturber of the peace.

Yes, he knew what was going to happen. But he went with his girlfriend, which I find a bit admirable, actually. Rule is a rule--that's a good one. The rest of you might want to read Billy Budd, which is Melville's meditation on this kind of dilemma.

Thanks for an admirable reply. I sent an e-mail to the school; as a Christian, I find its legalistic bureaucracy a thorn in the foot of the Body. This kind of thinking IS pharisitical and turns people away from the love of Christ. However, the rules of the private (AND any other privately funded and supported group or business) should be upheld --- once the government or general public feels they can enforce outside policy on any such group WE ALL stand to lose our freedoms (not license, mind you ... if they break rules of accepted social conduct or break established laws, that's something else). Private enterprise can lawfully make their own rules; those signing written agreements to uphold and observe such rules and then deliberately break them must pay the consequences. The truth of the matter is that in many cases, this type of action simply encourages non-Christians (or other "religion haters") to believe they can spit in the face of people with faith. That being said, here's what I sent to to Heritage Christian School:

"Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ:

Read on the internet about your decision to not allow Tyler Frost to complete his school year if he attends his girlfriend’s prom. Just wanted to express my dismay at your decision, which is now a matter of public interest. I love the Lord Jesus Christ and believe your hearts are in the right place, but as the Savior also went amongst the sinners as an example (the sick need a doctor, the well do not…*) I am sorry that you feel it is necessary to castigate a 17-yr old young man for going somewhere “in the world.” He will need to be out in it soon (and most likely is, in many ways outside of the protection of Heritage). He’ll need to be an example to the lost; give him that chance without punishing him. It is my belief that Jesus would have gone right into a prom and have no qualms about doing so; He is needed there, in the workplace, in the supermarkets, on the streets, everywhere. Your decision makes Christianity look legalistic and unloving. Just because Tyler walks into a room doesn’t mean he has given in to the enemy. Perhaps he would be the only Jesus some of those teenagers (and their sponsors from the “outside” high school) would ever see. Your website shows you have done a wonderful job (your “Heritage Statistics” -0- ratings); I’m sure Tyler’s parents have, too. Let him go without punishing him. Let him be a light** rather than being mocked by the rest of the world (and more specifically, let not our Lord be mocked because of your legalistic position). Thank you for allowing me to express my position on this matter.

God bless you all, in Jesus’ name,

(my name & signature)"

*When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (Mark 2:17)

** Jesus said, "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world" (Jn. 9:5). --- Before He physically left this earth, Jesus told His followers, "You are the light of the world. . . . Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Mt. 5:14,16).

I agree although the taliban is an extreme example...what the school has demonstrated is Extremism which is the most dangerous thing in the 21st century, wether it be Religious, Political, financial ect ect.

I'm with you - I don't agree with the rules, but the parents and the kid knew about the rules - If you don't like it - don't go their - If you make a decision on something you know will get you into trouble than you have to suffer the consequences of those actions. Hmm and wonder why the kids of today are screwed up - everyone can think of a million reasons why t hey don't have to suffer any consequences.

You two are sick in the head. Just because it's a rule doesn't make it right. We can NOT let private institutions create rules that supercede and violate the rights set forth by the Constitution of the United States!

Yes you're right, he's an American who is allowed to make his own decisions, and he CHOSE to enroll at that private school. No one forced him or his parents into paying to go there. He knew the rules and he broke them. Under your rationalization, although this is an extreme example, you're basically saying doing hardcore drugs (since its not funded, sponsered, or held by the US government) should be something everyone can "choose" to do freely. But we can't. We have laws, which are essentially rules. As far as your argument that punishing is going against a "supportive and forgiving Lord", what happened to Adam and Eve after they disobeyed God's rule to not eat from th tree of knowledge? What happened to the Hebrews after they were freed from Egypt and then worshiped a false God? Yes the Lord forgave them, but they were still punished because the didn't follow the "rules". The school is being supportive in the sense that this kid will learn his lesson. He can't go breaking rules he pledged to abide by because it's "his life". Jesus says to obey the laws of the land, and that includes the governing body the school you attend. These rules set forth by the school don't conflict with scripture in any way. And as a private institution they have to right to make their own rules, and enforce them accordingly. A college or university has the right to kick out a student who breaks the law or rules of the university off campus. This Baptist school has just as much right to do the same. He broke the rule, sucks for him, but he made a poor decision.

One reason these kids go so wild when they get to college and get into drugs, sex and alcohol and end up with all kinds of problems. His parents need to wake up and get him the hell out of that school before they have them all drinking some kind of weird kool-aid.

Christine, are you REALLY that misinformed about Christianity?

I hate to say this, but, not EVERY teen dreams of going to the prom. Seriously - they don't. Have you ever noticed that the whole school population (plus date) does not show up for prom? And amazingly, we all live a normal life without going to prom (gasp). Prom is not the end all, be all experience that some people make it out to be.

Let me tell you Sensei and the other liberals who think this guy got some raw deal- Rules are rules are rules. He and his family knew what they signed up for when they sent him to that school. If he didn't want to follow the rules of that school he should have gone somewhere else. Your reasoning that he should be able to do what he wants on his own time doesn't apply here and it doesn't apply in the real world of law, employment or life; Doing crack is against the rules- doesn't matter if you do it on your own time in your own private residence-do it, get caught, get in trouble. Employment can be terminated for a myriad of inappropriate judgments made on "your own time" if they fall into an employers list of restricted behaviors- break a rule-get fired. If your still smoking cigarettes and get cancer, don't blame someone else for it. These are choices you can make. Rules are rules; if you know them and ignore them be prepared to deal with the consequences. What has happened to our society that we think rules don't apply to us and we should be free to ignore the ones we don't like? Best he learn this lesson now, although I don't hold out much hope for that since 70+ % of the village that is supposed to help raise a child, in this case, seem to be the village idiots. Yes, this is a dumb rule, but it's why I am not Baptist, or send my child to a Baptist school, but if I did and he broke the rule I'd support the consequence. There are still choices that we get to make in this county. He should have chosen another school.

So I can work for the Federal government during the day and be a communist at night?

Seems Lisa is one of the few folks here using their own intelligence... I applaud you girl.

Lisa,

couldn't have said it better myself. Follow the rules or suffer the consequences. If you don't like the rules, fight to have them changed!

Thank you Lisa for putting it bluntly.

The main point you make I do agree with, rules are not there to be convienant. We have to use the proper means to change them, go elsewhere if we do not like them, and suffer the consequences when we break them.

think what Sensei Tim was spot on . Why is he getting punished by his school for doing something on his free time? YES You must follow the rules or the consequences. If you don't like the rules, work to change them diplomatically. However some of the points made above are simply not warranted. First off Crack is illegal and not just a RULE... In the work place rules must be followed or you risk termination, Like drinking alcohol at work is against the rules but as soon as I'm off I can go to happy hour and not worry about the repercussions from my place of employment for not following their no-drinking rule on my OFF time....... OR when I'm at a public pool and it says no diving I follow that rule while I'm there, when I get to my personal pool I dive all I want and the public pool cant band me from there pool because I didn't follow there no diving rule (at my home on my free time). Of course you expect the child/person to be loyal to his religion and not be a Baptist only when it's convenient. If his religion is against dancing etc. Then maybe it should be his pastor that should talk to him. The school should NOT be able to punish him it has no jurisdiction to do so. This is a young boy going to a prom at a different school on his own free time, most likely with his went with his parents approval.

His school or ANY school for that matter CAN NOT dictate what he/anyone does in their off time

And YES you can work for the Federal government during the day and be a communist at night.....

.He's not a student 24/7