Protests at Shelton High over Prom Punishment

Shelton, Conn. (WTNH) - Not even an attempted sit-in Friday morning would sway Shelton High School headmaster Dr. Beth Smith's decision to keep James Tate out of the prom.

Students who attempted the silent protest quickly found themselves surrounded by school officials and police officers.

"Everybody keeps talking about it all day long," Shelton High School student Kat Hiestand said. "She's not going to change her mind."

"There was supposed to be a sit-in," a student named Olivia said, "but all of 30 people showed up in the gym and left immediately when they told them to leave."

"There was another officer in there, so I think they knew it was going to happen," Chris Anastasia said.

As school was letting out, Dr. Smith made an appearance before the media, clarifying what had happened with about 25 students earlier in the day.

"When encouraged, when the bell rang, the beginning of next class, all of those students did go back to class, so there were no disruptions to the school day," she said.

But the push continues for Tate to dance with Sonali Rodrigues, something he himself believes won't happen at all.  Tate was given an in-school suspension for trespassing on school grounds after he attached cardboard letters to the exterior wall of Shelton High to ask Rodrigues to the prom. 

"I feel like it's gone far enough," Tate told News 8 Thursday night, "and can't wait for it to be over in a way."

"I don't think they would gain anything if they caved at this point," he said. "I think it was the best decision they could have made by still staying strong."

Tate's parents said they are proud of the way their son has handled himself during the ordeal and the intense exposure he's received over the past few days.

"We take great pride in the way he's handled himself and shown great maturity for a boy his age. And a measure of grace," Tracey Tate said.

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