MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A former Christian Brothers High School student has filed a $1 million lawsuit after they would not allow him to take a same-sex date to the dance.
The suit from Lance Sanderson cited several reasons including breach of contract and emotional distress.
Sanderson told school leaders he was gay before he enrolled for his senior year.
The CBHS policy said students may attend the dance alone, with a female from another school or with a fellow CBHS student.
Technically, he could go with another male CBHS student.
CBHS policy has never allowed male students from other schools to attend dances.
Those defending CBHS said it is a private religious school and those attending know the rules when they enroll.
Here is the CBHS policy as posted on its website:
All current CBHS students are invited to attend this weekend’s semi-formal homecoming dance on Saturday, September 26th from 7:30 – 10:30 pm in Heffernan Hall. CBHS students may attend the dance by themselves, with other CBHS students, or with a girl from another school. For logistical reasons, boys from other schools may not attend. Tickets are on sale each morning this week in the 100 hallway.
