The Durham District School Board (DDSB) has asked three schools to “pause” their decision to cancel prom and take time to consult with the community after students at one school staged a walkout in protest.
More than 100 Brooklin High School students flooded the school’s front yard Monday morning, many holding signs and some blaring kazoos. Passing cars and trucks frequently honked their horns in support — which was met with cheers by students.
“Prom has been a tradition for so many years,” said Emily Smith, a Grade 12 student. “The class of ’26 really deserves it.”
Another Grade 12 student, Aydin Leamen, wore a $400 suit to the protest, which he had purchased to wear to prom before the surprise cancellation.
“It’s really disappointing that they didn’t give an exact reason why,” Leamen said.
Brooklin High School student Aydin Leamen wore a $400 suit to Monday’s protest, which he had purchased for prom before the surprise cancellation. (Rochelle Raveendran/CBC)
Brooklin is one of three Durham District School Board (DDSB) schools that pulled out of hosting prom on Friday, according to a letter circulating on social media.
“The growing expectations, liabilities and risks connected to school-run proms make it increasingly difficult for schools to continue offering them in the way they once were,” reads the letter, signed by the principals of Brooklin, Brock High School and Uxbridge Secondary School.
CBC News has reached out to all three schools for comment.
In the letter, the schools said they will “focus on creating inclusive and meaningful year-end activities that bring students together in ways that prioritize safety, dignity and belonging.”
Brooklin students fundraising for private prom
The Durham District School Board said it has asked the three schools to “pause” its plans to cancel prom in an email to CBC News on Monday afternoon.
The board did not say whether this request was connected to the student protest, but did say they “want to ensure that student voices are heard.”
“We support change, but have asked these schools to pause and to schedule opportunities to sit down with students and staff to understand the concerns and to explore meaningful alternatives or adjustments that reflect our shared values and priorities,” the email read.
Brooklin students have created a GoFundMe to help seniors ‘fundraise an unforgettable prom,’ as well as a petition asking the school to reverse the cancellation. (Rochelle Raveendran/CBC)
The board said the costs, expectations and liabilities associated with school-run end of year celebrations have “increased substantially” over time.
“As a result, and consistent with trends across Ontario, some DDSB secondary schools are rethinking how to approach end of year celebrations,” the statement read.
The cancellation is a particular blow since pandemic restrictions prevented current Grade 12 students from celebrating their Grade 8 graduation with the traditional dance and graduation trip, said Nadia Gibson, a high school senior.
“We’ve never really had a proper celebration for graduation … now that we’re going onto a new chapter, we especially need prom,” she said.
Grade 12 students Nadia Gibson, left, and Emily Smith attended Monday’s protest at Brooklin High School. (Rochelle Raveendran/CBC)
At Monday’s protest, Brooklin students said they’ve been told the school will organize a breakfast for the graduating class — but some said that’s not enough.
Another option is that students and parents can organize their own private celebrations. In the joint letter, the three schools said families are free to do so.
Brooklin students have already created a GoFundMe to help seniors “fundraise an unforgettable prom” — alongside a petition to reverse the school’s decision.
Meanwhile, Uxbridge Mayor Dave Barton said he is happy to help out if families decide to organize their own prom, whether that be through providing contacts or even volunteering on the day.
He says he’s heard from parents who are concerned their children are missing out on a rite of passage.
“Our kids lost so much during the pandemic,” Barton said. “There are so many things that we could experience that they didn’t.”
“Not everyone has fond memories of their prom, but every student in every high school should have the ability to go to one.”
