Prom-Banning Administration Quiet; 'Team Tate' Loud [Video]
The Shelton school system has yet to respond to the James Tate prom proposal incident. Meanwhile, the senior student gains supporters across the nation.
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The boy who was banned from the prom is the new social media darling.
In less than 24 hours, the Facebook group “Let James Tate Go to the Prom” ballooned from a modest 400 members to a staggering 37,000-plus, while on Twitter, #TeamTate and #JamesTate have become national trending topics.
Tate, a senior at Shelton High School, was banned from attending his prom after a creative date proposal was deemed a violation of school rules by the administration.
But if Headmaster Dr. Beth Smith thought the incident would end there, she was mistaken. The story has gone viral, with people across the nation and even Scotland showing their support for Tate.
Locally, the campaign to reinstate Tate’s prom rights is the talk of the town. At the high school, a group of students printed flyers that read “SEND TATE TO PROM” and handed them out in the hallways. Junior Nick Hearl taped one to his shirt and wore it to class because he said he feels the punishment is “ridiculous.”
Hearl said that school on Wednesday was “chaotic, but everyone is keeping cool waiting to see where it goes from here.”
He also said that teachers have not said anything about the incident that he knows of. When asked if he felt the administration was keeping tight-lipped in an attempt to keep students in check and quiet the buzz, he answered: “Probably.”
That sentiment was echoed by all of the students Patch interviewed. Of the at least 12 high-schoolers interviewed, not one had heard a word from their headmaster or teachers.
Superintendent of public schools Freeman Burr did send out a press release to the media Wednesday afternoon. It read: “In response to your recent inquiry, I am aware of the local, state and national media attention surrounding the situation and I have no further comments regarding the matter at this time.”
Smith could not be reached for comment. Receptionists at the high school’s main office said her voicemail inbox is currently filled, but they have no idea whether she has returned any of those calls.
John Rougeou from Alexandria, LA was one of thousands of readers who called the school to voice support for Tate.
“I called the superintendent’s office and they told me that they had gotten 18,000 phone calls from people,” Rougeou said. “I’m a former schoolteacher and I just wanted to tell them that this is stupid stuff. I appreciate what Patch and the media is doing for this young man.”
Students say the only response they’ve seen from administrators is punishment for anyone who tweets about Tate, the prom proposal and Dr. Smith.
“She’s going on Twitter and looking at all our stuff and printing it out and getting us in trouble,” said sophomore Toni Bartomeli. “Everyone’s getting in trouble for tweeting that Team Tate thing, the trend."
“Apparently teachers are making Twitters and following us on Twitter and, like, following what we’re saying. And someone got suspended for saying something about Dr. Smith on Facebook,” added fellow sophomore Brianna Slavin.
Of course, SHS has been no stranger to drama this past school year. A string of bomb threats in October and November 2010 resulted in class disruptions on at least four different occasions. Many are arguing that Tate’s actions pale in comparison to these incidents.
“Look at all the bomb scares that happened! Those are the kids that deserve punishment,” said Kyle Ebdon, who graduated from SHS in 2007. “From what we know this is a good kid with no past problems.”
On Facebook, Kerry Rivelli posted the following message: “schools have kids that bring guns to school, start fights, post horrible and damaging things on the internet about each other, and this guy...decides to be a hopeless romantic, and gets punished!! Sorry the schoolmaster is wrong on this one. Suspension yes, no prom, not warranted.”
Tate himself said he has not heard any more from Smith since this past Friday afternoon, when she handed down her sentence. And though hundreds of thousands are rallying in his favor, he says he doesn’t think a decision reversal “would mean much.”
Be sure to return to Shelton Patch tomorrow morning for an exclusive video interview with James Tate.
Lauren Tommasi
8:46 pm on Wednesday, May 11, 2011
I bet the administration is happy there is only a few more weeks of school! This media attention is insane but shows that people genuinely care. People from outside CT and outside of the US are speaking out in support of this student they've never met while the school personnel who are actively involved say nothing. I can't wait to hear what happens. Best of luck.
Mario Moreno
3:39 pm on Monday, December 5, 2011
heck I myself would have made a creative way of asking a girl out to prom back in high school, just for a chance of getting laid, thats what guys usually are after when they want to go to prom, think about it why you think they rent hotels, to go to it after the prom, because their parents will be home
Jordan
10:48 pm on Wednesday, May 11, 2011
The kid broke school rules. Leniency isn't always going to be given. I mean, isn't there a great number of ways to ask her out with that same creativity that doesn't involve trespassing on or defacing the school? Yeah, the punishment is harsh, but life sucks. Deal with it.
Nancy Poelstra
11:02 pm on Wednesday, May 11, 2011
He didn't technically deface the school if he taped a sign to the brick building. I think it shows creativity and determination. Yes, if he had spray painted the building then I would understand this punishmnet but not for what he did. He is reportedly a good young man. This is just simply an over-reaction by administration that now feels like they can't back down. Not a very good example of adults in leadership positions making appropriate decisions. Make the punishment fit the crime.
Mario Moreno
3:39 pm on Monday, December 5, 2011
heck I myself would have made a creative way of asking a girl out to prom back in high school, just for a chance of getting laid, thats what guys usually are after when they want to go to prom, think about it why you think they rent hotels, to go to it after the prom, because their parents will be home
Nancy Poelstra
10:56 pm on Wednesday, May 11, 2011
What a harsh punishment for being creative in asking the girl he likes to the prom. James did not deface the building and according to the students on the video tape he is not a trouble maker. Why are you, the administration, making such a big deal out of something that doesn't warrant this kind of attention? Why make this drastic of a punishment for an event most high schoolers look forward to all four years? As a 55 year old professional woman I do not understand your mindset. Good luck to Jim and his girlfriend.
Mario Moreno
3:42 pm on Monday, December 5, 2011
heck I myself would have made a creative way of asking a girl out to prom back in high school, just for a chance of getting laid, thats what guys usually are after when they want to go to prom, think about it why you think they rent hotels, to go to it after the prom, because their parents will be home
Maureen Detullio
11:38 pm on Wednesday, May 11, 2011
With all the drug use, bomb threats and fire starters going unpunished this is total ignorance of justice!! The hallways of SHS
Mario Moreno
3:42 pm on Monday, December 5, 2011
heck I myself would have made a creative way of asking a girl out to prom back in high school, just for a chance of getting laid, thats what guys usually are after when they want to go to prom, think about it why you think they rent hotels, to go to it after the prom, because their parents will be home
Maureen Detullio
11:45 pm on Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Whoops! As I was saying the hallways at SHS of letters posted-is that called indoor defaceing? Drop your ego lady!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Joe Mandello
11:49 pm on Wednesday, May 11, 2011
The silent response from the administration is the most telling indicator that something is seriously wrong here. In the face of an unbelievable public outcry not one of the administrators can muster a response? It should make you wonder about the qualifications of this school administration. Given the poor judgment thus far on such a non-issue and the utter lack of real leadership when more serous threats were made against the school, it seems clear to me it's time for this community to take a real hard look at who exactly we have running our school system.
I urge you to contact the mayors office and request answers. After all it's the job of parents in the community to ensure we have the proper leadership in our school system.
Binageuse
1:11 am on Thursday, May 12, 2011
^^THIS!! The state of the education system and the mindset of administrators is truly pathetic.
JAMES TATE
12:51 am on Thursday, May 12, 2011
WWW.JAMESTATEPROM.COM MAKE A DONATION AND BUY A TEE SHIRT!
Loida Jordan
1:41 pm on Thursday, May 12, 2011
James you rock!!
You didn't do nothing wrong.
I think you are a romantic and sweet teen who deserve to be listened.
That Sonali, must treasure you.
If you don't get to go to the prom, I hope you still can have your personal party with your friends
and Sonali.
And make it big passed throw the web, and take a lots of pictures, so we can celebrate with you.
I hope you never change your tenderness and teach boring people a lesson.
I'm a mother of three and I hope my kids have your passion when they grow older.
It's getting time that schools system adjust their ways to a more modern times.
Sandie Beach
2:52 am on Thursday, May 12, 2011
These students should all boycott prom AND graduation. This situation is a joke,
and this Smith person needs to be replaced with someone that shows some stability.
Mario Moreno
3:41 pm on Monday, December 5, 2011
heck I myself would have made a creative way of asking a girl out to prom back in high school, just for a chance of getting laid, thats what guys usually are after when they want to go to prom, think about it why you think they rent hotels, to go to it after the prom, because their parents will be home
Sandie Beach
2:55 am on Thursday, May 12, 2011
This is unacceptable and a total abuse of power by this woman.
Someone needs to put a stop to it!!
Mario Moreno
3:41 pm on Monday, December 5, 2011
heck I myself would have made a creative way of asking a girl out to prom back in high school, just for a chance of getting laid, thats what guys usually are after when they want to go to prom, think about it why you think they rent hotels, to go to it after the prom, because their parents will be home
Susan
8:33 am on Thursday, May 12, 2011
Please let these sweet kids go to prom. Something like this is needed in America. Bring back the fun in high schools. Finally some positive news about high schools instead of terror.
Mario Moreno
3:41 pm on Monday, December 5, 2011
heck I myself would have made a creative way of asking a girl out to prom back in high school, just for a chance of getting laid, thats what guys usually are after when they want to go to prom, think about it why you think they rent hotels, to go to it after the prom, because their parents will be home
Martha Cameron
8:49 am on Thursday, May 12, 2011
Wow! Talk about ruining two kids school experience at that school. It was cute. A thought: would it be any worse if he'd spray painted the request on the building? I actually thought ictatorships didn't happen in the US.
Mario Moreno
3:41 pm on Monday, December 5, 2011
heck I myself would have made a creative way of asking a girl out to prom back in high school, just for a chance of getting laid, thats what guys usually are after when they want to go to prom, think about it why you think they rent hotels, to go to it after the prom, because their parents will be home
kaleo kuoha
1:43 pm on Thursday, May 12, 2011
don't forget his friends everyone...anyways i sure hope this woman reviews what has been done...she still has a chance to make this a win/win situation...i surely hope she changes her mind..."for her peace of mind"...
Mario Moreno
3:41 pm on Monday, December 5, 2011
heck I myself would have made a creative way of asking a girl out to prom back in high school, just for a chance of getting laid, thats what guys usually are after when they want to go to prom, think about it why you think they rent hotels, to go to it after the prom, because their parents will be home
Judge Tom
3:41 pm on Thursday, May 12, 2011
In 1992, the U.S. Supreme Court recognized the importance of once-in-a-lifetime events such as a graduation ceremony. "Everyone knows that, in our society and in our culture, high school graduation is one of life's most significant occasions."* The same may be said for a student's senior prom.
Respectfully, Judge Tom.
*Lee v. Weisman www.askthejudge.info tom@askthejudge.info
Mario Moreno
3:41 pm on Monday, December 5, 2011
heck I myself would have made a creative way of asking a girl out to prom back in high school, just for a chance of getting laid, thats what guys usually are after when they want to go to prom, think about it why you think they rent hotels, to go to it after the prom, because their parents will be home
kathleen
6:27 pm on Thursday, May 12, 2011
Dr. Smith is a coward, hiding behind faceless "rules" and suspending a student for a harmless, well-intentioned prank. She is a good example why teachers get a bad name. Shame on her.
Mario Moreno
3:41 pm on Monday, December 5, 2011
heck I myself would have made a creative way of asking a girl out to prom back in high school, just for a chance of getting laid, thats what guys usually are after when they want to go to prom, think about it why you think they rent hotels, to go to it after the prom, because their parents will be home
nicole
8:07 pm on Thursday, May 12, 2011
Are you kidding me? I saw on the Today Show today that thee school said 1 reason for his punishment is because of the danger involved in putting up the letters YET they let him take it down (which he was planning on doing anyway). I think the principal needs to rethink this! Even the mayor & worldwide companies are on his side! Mr. Tate sounds like a good kid and there are better things to worry about than this!
Mario Moreno
3:40 pm on Monday, December 5, 2011
heck I myself would have made a creative way of asking a girl out to prom back in high school, just for a chance of getting laid, thats what guys usually are after when they want to go to prom, think about it why you think they rent hotels, to go to it after the prom, because their parents will be home
johnny boy
2:14 am on Friday, May 13, 2011
I suspect other students' rights--freedom of speech--have been stamped upon. Even if what one student said on Facebook or tweeter is defamation or character, that should not be the right of school administration to deal with. You can bring charges perhaps, but should not be able to enforce any school punishment or threat thereof. Can they punish kids for any writing that is critical of the school? CAn we say "police state"? That is abuse of power, poor judgment, and grounds for dismissal--all of the administration. Bunch of cowards.
Mario Moreno
3:40 pm on Monday, December 5, 2011
heck I myself would have made a creative way of asking a girl out to prom back in high school, just for a chance of getting laid, thats what guys usually are after when they want to go to prom, think about it why you think they rent hotels, to go to it after the prom, because their parents will be home
tammy
7:37 am on Friday, May 13, 2011
I think administrators need to think outside the box. Not everything is black and white. The administrators are obviously not smart enough to take a situation, evaluate it, evaluate the people involved and come up with a plan. This is exactly why public schools are failing!!
Mario Moreno
3:40 pm on Monday, December 5, 2011
heck I myself would have made a creative way of asking a girl out to prom back in high school, just for a chance of getting laid, thats what guys usually are after when they want to go to prom, think about it why you think they rent hotels, to go to it after the prom, because their parents will be home
Mario Moreno
3:40 pm on Monday, December 5, 2011
heck I myself would have made a creative way of asking a girl out to prom back in high school, just for a chance of getting laid, thats what guys usually are after when they want to go to prom, think about it why you think they rent hotels, to go to it after the prom, because their parents will be home
Theresa Hoelscher
11:22 am on Friday, May 13, 2011
I think all the Senior Student's should have there own Prom and no one show up at that school for Prom, but at another place, Like Rent a building and Parents get together cook the food and dress up the building, and Let that stupid School Principal go to Prom alone with no one showing up there! Spend all that money for a Prom at a school no one shows up to!!! I am sure that would be a great Punishment for the stupid so called School Board!!! They are all as dumb as she looks.... If I were the Senior Students of that school I would not show up for that Prom. Come on Parents step up for this kid, he did not do anything wrong at all. The school principal just wants to look important!
Mario Moreno
3:40 pm on Monday, December 5, 2011
heck I myself would have made a creative way of asking a girl out to prom back in high school, just for a chance of getting laid, thats what guys usually are after when they want to go to prom, think about it why you think they rent hotels, to go to it after the prom, because their parents will be home
Art schlueter
11:42 am on Friday, May 13, 2011
The actions of the student were not in his best judgement, however the head administrator did not use good judgement in selecting the penality, rules and regulation are to be inforced with judgement and their was little though of fairness.
Every one in the town that the school is located should be concering about the administraton of the school and also judgement of the school board.
Situations like this make the city, state and USA look simple minded to the world.
Art
Mario Moreno
3:41 pm on Monday, December 5, 2011
heck I myself would have made a creative way of asking a girl out to prom back in high school, just for a chance of getting laid, thats what guys usually are after when they want to go to prom, think about it why you think they rent hotels, to go to it after the prom, because their parents will be home
Betty Alexander
6:36 pm on Friday, May 13, 2011
I am a teacher--which is teaching, training, being a role model and demonstrating th proper emotional and social skills for successful living. Teachers and admininstrators are there for the kids. No kids--no job. If you do not like kids, do not waste your life pretending to be something you are not. Kids require a whole lot these days--and it is worth all the efforts that a community can direct into their lives. They will never forget the kindness and thoughtfulness that is handed to them. Eighteen year olds leave high school and go into the Military to train for the well being of our country. So PAY IT FORWARD, teachers and admininstrators. Think before you act. Maybe some rules need scrutinizing.
Mario Moreno
3:40 pm on Monday, December 5, 2011
heck I myself would have made a creative way of asking a girl out to prom back in high school, just for a chance of getting laid, thats what guys usually are after when they want to go to prom, think about it why you think they rent hotels, to go to it after the prom, because their parents will be home
Chandralekha W ijeratne
3:04 pm on Saturday, May 14, 2011
Yes,very true that flexibility need to be exercised at a time like this. As an educator myself ,it is heart breaking to feel that this headmistress misused her authority on a simple incident of this nature.I sure pray that the headmistress will have a change of heart and allow them to celebrate their PROM.Why make a mountain out of a mole hill?. Please consider this student as one of your own children and exercise a little humanity.Resolve this matter INTELLECTUALLY.MAY THE NOBLE TRIPLE GEM'S BLESSINGS shower upon these innocent students so that they can really appreciate and value their well spent time to accomplish the goal of graduating as SENIORS.
" EDUCATION IS THE ONLY WEALTH THAT NO ONE CAN EVER STEAL FROM YOU" So my humble request is not to deny the privilege of attending their PROM and to help these students to enjoy their final weeks as SENIORS who have well established their education. Prayers are in order for a peaceful outcome in favor of the students .May the headmistress be blessed with all the kindness and compassion within her to better understand students feelings. GOOD LUCK TO ALL GRADUATING FROM THIS SHELTON HIGH SCHOOL.
Mario Moreno
3:39 pm on Monday, December 5, 2011
heck I myself would have made a creative way of asking a girl out to prom back in high school, just for a chance of getting laid, thats what guys usually are after when they want to go to prom, think about it why you think they rent hotels, to go to it after the prom, because their parents will be home
Mario Moreno
3:36 pm on Monday, December 5, 2011
heck I myself will make a creative way of asking a girl out to promn, just for a chance of getting laid, thats what guys usually are after when they want to go to prom, think about it why you think they rent hotels, to go to it after the pron, because their parents will be home