Anyone wearing something inappropriate to the prom, and protesting the decision to send her home – isn’t likely to be embarrassed. This sounds like an attitude problem. And her behavior sure seems like the issue is defiance of authority – parents, teachers, police. I don’t care if she is honor roll, cheerleader, or clique-queen, I have to look at her behavior and reaction and say, “Well done, Texas!”

If she had made an innocent mistake, I expect she would have gone home when first told she wasn’t allowed in. She would likely have been embarrassed, and have to explain to her folks why the expense and didn’t get into the prom. And I could sympathize with a simple mistake. And maybe, if I trusted her to keep the sweater on, I might have allowed the sweater and let her continue with the event.

I just didn’t read any remorse in the story. Instead I saw a privileged girl more likely to be arrested (again?) than to succeed. Definitely undisciplined, probably poor self image, and access to money for a custom dress – a bad, bad mix for raising a responsible citizen.

When I took foster parent training some 18 years ago, they related that federal courts had held that failing to instill discipline in a child is actionable, criminal child abuse. I would like to have Child Protective Services interview the girl’s family. Objecting to the school officials, in public, in such a way as to bring in the police is a serious matter.