The American Leadership Academy issued a statement after accusations that up to 60 girls were removed from a recent homecoming dance over their attire.
The American Leadership Academy issued a statement after accusations that up to 60 girls were removed from a recent homecoming dance over their attire.
The American Leadership Academy issued a statement after accusations that up to 60 girls were removed from a recent homecoming dance over their attire.
Dear Parents and Friends of ALA.
‘As many of you may be aware recently American Leadership Academy celebrated our homecoming
festivities with the homecoming dance capping off the week of activities. Many of you also have
witnessed some of the media coverage and the protest that occurred Monday following the dance, which
alleges that over half of the students were turned away from the dance for dress code violations, and
accusations of body shaming. As an organization we have been concerned by these allegations and have
done our best to have an open and thorough investigation into several of the claims. We invited students,
Parents, and staff to be a part of our review process. To help ensure we are taking each allegation
seriously and looking at each claim through the eyes of all stakeholder groups. The school acknowledges
that several students have felt hurt and for that the school sincerely apologizes that any students came
away from the dance feeling less than enough.
Alleged allegations:
1, 60-90 students turned away from the dance for dress code violations.
2. Inconsistent administration of dress code.
3. Targeting of students with specific body attributes.
4. Students were removed from the dance after they had gained admission to the dance.
Findings to the above allegations:
1. Video footage shows that 14 students were turned away for dress code issues. Of that number
it appears that 6 of those students left and came back later with appropriate adjustments to the
dress code and were admitted to the dance.
2. The video footage shows the dress code administration was done the same for each student.
Students were asked to relax their arms and have them hang freely to their side when checking
the lencth of the dress and no cleavage was to be showing.
3. Video footage shows that there was no pattern of targeting. Students of all shapes and sizes.
were represented and no one more than another.
4. Video evidence shows that one student was removed from the dance for dress code violations
by the dress code monitors once they had gained access to the dance. One student that had
‘worn a jacket as part of outfit to make it dress code compliant was warned prior to entering that
the jacket would need to be worn during the entire dance to keep them in dress code or they
would be removed from the dance. The student altered the jacket during the dance making
them out of dress cade and were removed from the dance.
One parent was there with their student when they were denied access and felt that the communication
needs to be kinder when talking about such sensitive issues as body and dress. The school will do
training for the individuals working the dance as dress code monitors.
ALA officially and sincerely expresses regret that any student interpreted the enforcement of the dress
code as an intent to body shame any of the students, The purpose of the dress code is to promote a safe
and healthy environment. We believe the dress code Is reasonable and fair and affirm the importance of
having and embracing standards of dress. This has been and remains an important part of our school
culture,
Sincerely,
‘American Leadership Academy Administration
‘American Leadership Academy « Phone 801-794-2226 Fax 801-794-2246 + 898 West 1100 South + Spanish Fork UT, 84660