Schools decision to refuse girls right to say no if boys ask them to dance, challenged by pupil's parent
A mother has been left outraged after her daughter’s school introduced a policy that states students aren’t allowed to say “no” when asked to dance.
Natalie Richard, from Utah, was speaking to her sixth-grade daughter about the upcoming Valentine’s Day dance at her school, Kanesville Elementary, when she was told about the controversial rule.
Her daughter explained that teachers had told the students, aged between 11 and 12, that they had to say “yes” when someone asked them dance.
In disbelief, Ms Richard said that she must have misunderstood what they were saying.
However, after speaking to the school she soon realised that the statement was accurate.
“The teacher said she can’t. She has to say yes. She has to accept and I said, 'Excuse me',” Ms Richard told Fox 13.
Shocked by the policy, the mother took her concerns to the school principal but was simply told that that’s just how they organise their dances.
Lane Findlay with the Weber School District confirmed that it is in fact a rule, but added that it’s meant to teach students how to be inclusive.
“Please be respectful, be polite," Mr Findlay said.
”We want to promote kindness, and so we want you to say yes when someone asks you to dance."
However, Ms Richard believes there are other ways to teach children how to be accepting and that this method sends the wrong message.
“It sends a bad message to girls that girls have to say 'yes'; sends a bad message to boys that girls can’t say 'no',” she explained.
“Psychologically, my daughter keeps coming to me and saying I can’t say 'no' to a boy.
“That’s the message kids are getting.”
After Fox 13 posted the story on its Facebook page, hordes of alarmed parents commented in agreement.
Many were worried that teaching children to believe that “no” is an unacceptable answer could make them vulnerable.
“This is a terrible policy,” one person wrote.
“Inclusiveness is not nearly as important as teaching children that they have no obligation to allow anyone to touch them or invade their personal space if it makes them uncomfortable.”
Another agreed adding, “This sends the wrong message. Anyone should have the right to say 'no.' Teaching children how to say no respectfully is a more important lesson.”
As it stands, Kanesville Elementary say that the rule remains in place.
Making an offer that can't be refused
Making an offer that can't be refused
I understand the sentiment behind not wanting kids to feel ostracized in social settings, because we all know that kids can be mean at that age, but was there no one who thought through the implications of telling kids that they had no right to control who is going to touch them and otherwise invade their personal space:
"Hang on while I log in to the James Webb telescope to search the known universe for who the fuck asked you." -- James Fell
Re: Making an offer that can't be refused
Please, it's an invitation to dance, not to have sex. I think it's a bit silly, but in a world where students must give every person in the class a valentine, telling them to be polite and dance with whoever asks is not all that different. I don't recall a rule like that, but I do recall it was unspoken etiquette at school "dances" (at least in the lower grades--these were more dance lessons than dances) that you should dance with whoever asked, and also should not object if someone wanted to "cut in". Now if it were an ionvitation to go into the closet for a special delivery letter or to exchange their clothes....“It sends a bad message to girls that girls have to say 'yes'; sends a bad message to boys that girls can’t say 'no',” she explained.
“Psychologically, my daughter keeps coming to me and saying I can’t say 'no' to a boy.
“That’s the message kids are getting.”
eta: I also recall doing square dancing (something I hate to this very day) in elementary school, and when the call said to switch partners you switched--no yes or no, just dance. I guess that also tells girls they "can't say no"?
Re: Making an offer that can't be refused
Psychologically, girls might become lesbians if they are forced to dance with boys at such a young age. It's yet another conspiracy by liberals to encourage children to broaden their sexual horizons.
Re: Making an offer that can't be refused
They can't say "no", but can they say "f*** off"? 
Making an offer that can't be refused
Have these school officials forgotten about the dreaded cooties. They'll be facing a major law suit if even one child shows up 'positive' after the Valentine's Day festivities. Not to mention (but I will) disinfecting the entire auditorium after the outbreak. And these teachers consider themselves educated. Unbelievable!
When will they ever learn?
When will they ever learn?
“In a world whose absurdity appears to be so impenetrable, we simply must reach a greater degree of understanding among us, a greater sincerity.”