I am a senior at Northeast High School, currently facing the heartbreak of not being able to attend my only prom due to missing more than nine class periods in the second semester. I, alongside my friends who are in the same predicament, find this policy, while well-intentioned, to be unfair. To exclude us from a milestone event in our lives because of absences is penalizing.
Research shows that such exclusionary practices do more harm than good, often leading to feelings of isolation, depression, and decreased self-esteem among students (American Psychological Association).
Moreover, a statistical study has also shown that just one negative high school experience can increase the risk of a student dropping out or not pursuing higher education (National Education Association).
This is the issue we're dealing with - a policy that is potentially damaging to students' psychological health and future academic prospects. We are not advocating for a lack of consequences for absences, but we are requesting a more compassionate approach that does not deprive students of life-defining experiences. Therefore, we call on the administration of Northeast High School to amend its prom attendance policy to enable all seniors, regardless of absences, to participate in this rite of passage. We are urging every student, parent, teacher, and supporter to sign this petition, and push for a change in these guidelines. Please sign the petition today.

If we’re allowed to graduate with more than 9 absences why can’t we go to prom?