A single mum in Missouri is protesting a decision at her daughter's school to ban mothers from attending a father-daughter dance.
Shawna Steeves said her daughter's father left years ago, and she was asked by her daughter to accompany her to the dance. The school's Parent Teacher Organisation (PTO) will not allow Steeves to come, however.
Weeks ago, Southwest Elementary mailed Steeves a flyer informing her of the dance. The invitation said that girls could bring an uncle or grandfather if their father could not attend.
Eight-year-old Meghan asked her mum to come, however, and was looking forward to attending the dance in a new dress.
Steeves phoned the school's principal, who allegedly told her it was OK for her to attend the dance. Steeves said she was thrilled at the news. But days later, the 30-year-old found out that the decision was reversed by the PTO.
"One option they gave was that they [the PTO] would find a male substitute to take her, which was out of the question," Steeves told reporters.
"She told me that she didn't want to make kids feel like outcasts. But where did my daughter fit in all of this? They didn't even offer me a chaperone position."
PTO President Kacey Collier stood by the organisation's decision.
"Our PTO works very hard at creating events that give ample opportunity for all families to [participate] in throughout the year," she said in a statement.
"Regarding the situation with this event there were several options given to this family and all families so that all Southwest elementary school aged girls are welcome to attend regardless of their family situation.
"Our goal is to keep this special event authentic," she continued. "We offer many other events that are family oriented. Examples would be Muffins with Mom and Donuts with Dad, the Family 5K Walk/Run, Pancakes with Santa, Trunk or Treat and our Mother-Son Challenge.
"We are very proud of our organisation and what we do for the students and our community."
Missouri Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association member Antonio DeLaCruz announced that he will organise an event called "Meghan's Dance" for the daughters of widows and single mothers to attend.
