Revealing Houston Prom Dress Makes National News

Schools all over Houston sent home notices warning students that they would not gain admittance to their proms or semi-formals if they showed up wearing inappropriate clothing. My own kid attended a middle school semi-formal and the notice sent home said:

"Dresses that are extremely short, extremely low cut, or see-through will not be permitted. Strapless dresses are allowed, but they must stay in place when dancing. All dresses must provide for the wearer to move freely in them and still provide coverage. School officials have the final judgment about the appropriateness of any dress. ..."

It then went on to list other conduct that would result in expulsion and/or legal consequences. My signature and my child's were both required on this form. The high schools also sent out guidelines that students were required to sign and return. If the forms were not returned signed, students were warned they would not be allowed to attend their proms. News sources indicated that the Madison High School 2008 guidelines advised that only an inch of midsection was permitted to be shown and slits in dresses could be no more than 3 inches above the knee.

In view of the above, it really should have come as no surprise to Marche Taylor when, after showing up wearing a dress that showed way more than an inch of midsection, she was refused entry to her prom. Marche was told to go home and change. The student and the school official got in an argument. Marche said: "We were arguing back and forth because I wanted to know why I can't get into my prom." The prom took place at the Sugar Land Marriot.

The student also said that she offered to cover up with the cape of her dress, but that solution was rejected. Things heated up some more when Marche Taylor demanded her money back. As the argument escalated, someone called the police and the student was handcuffed and escorted off the premises.