Wilcox County School System Considers Sponsoring Prom

ROCHELLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Wilcox County School System is now considering sponsoring an integrated prom in 2014.

The announcement comes just days after a group of Wilcox County High School seniors gained national attention for their efforts to host the school’s first integrated prom. When Wilcox County schools integrated 30 years ago, the annual school sponsored prom ended. Parents began raising money to host separate segregated proms and it’s a tradition that continues on to this day.

On the school system’s website, an issued statement says in part:

“Recently the high school has received some negative publicity for hosting segregated proms, but that simply is not true.

The high school does not host a prom at all, and the groups of students who host private parties have referred to those parties as their proms. The school system has no influence over private parties but we are encouraged by recent events.

Earlier in this school year, a group of ladies approached the Wilcox County Board of Education and the Superintendent to discuss their plans for hosting an “integrated prom.” The Board and Superintendent not only applauded the idea, but passed a resolution requesting that all activities involving WCS students be inclusive and non-discriminatory.

I am pleased to report that WCHS Principal Chad Davis has stated that his Leadership Team will place the 2014 Prom on its agenda for its next meeting.”