Florida Teen Turned Away from Prom for Wearing a Suit, Sparking Dress Code Debate

Florida prom dress code Sophie Savidge Mason Classical Academy Florida teen denied prom entry for wearing a suit

By E.Baloyo , Parent Herald May 16, 11:20 am

Photo: (Photo : Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images)

Due to the Florida prom dress code of a school, a teenager was denied entry to her prom due to wearing a suit, igniting a debate over dress codes and gender expression.

Sophie Savidge, a 16-year-old junior at Mason Classical Academy, a top-ranked charter school in Naples, arrived at Vanderbilt Country Club for the school's prom with her mother, Holly Savidge, and friends.

However, upon arrival, Sophie was informed by Vice Principal Nissa Mitchell that her suit violated the school's formal dress code.

Florida Teen Denied Prom Entry for Wearing a Suit

Sophie and her mother were taken aback by the school's stance. Holly recounted the moment, stating, "I was so upset. I said, 'Sophie doesn't wear dresses. She doesn't like to wear dresses-it's just not her.' And the vice principal said, 'Well, unfortunately, those are the rules.'"

Sophie was told she could only attend the prom if she went home and changed into a dress. This encounter left Sophie feeling nervous and shocked, as she had never expected her suit to be an issue. "I didn't think that it was going to be a problem," she said.

Mason Classical Academy did not immediately respond to requests for comment but later issued a statement emphasizing its clear dress code guidelines for formal events. The statement reads that the dress codes are clearly presented and outlined to all students and parents.

Aside from that, it turns out that the school have laid out that any student who shows up to an MCA dance and does not abide by the dress code will be given the chance to return to the dance in the proper attire.

The school added, all students are treated equally at MCA and are welcome and encouraged to attend these voluntary events. According to the school's website, the dress code for formal occasions mandates that ladies must wear dresses and one piece attire only.

A Challenging Year

Holly and Sophie acknowledged that they were aware of the dress code but noted that Sophie had previously worn suits to other school events, including a Valentine's Day dance in February. Holly stated that the institution have never denied her before, but they were willing to take that risk because that's just who Sophie is.

Holly added that she is very proud of her for taking that risk. Sophie had researched laws and court cases regarding dress codes prior to the event. She discovered a court decision, Peltier v. Charter Day School, where the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that dress codes requiring girls to wear skirts violated Title IX, the law prohibiting sex discrimination in federally funded schools.

Although Sophie was prepared to argue her case, she was too shocked and nervous to speak up at the time. Holly mentioned that despite the incident, she does not plan to take legal action against the school but hopes the dress code will be revised.

Furthermore, the Florida teen also shared that she plans to home-school Sophie for her senior year, a decision unrelated to the prom incident. This year has been particularly challenging for their family, as Sophie's father passed away last month, adding to their struggles.

Community Support

Since the incident gained local news attention, Sophie has received support from fellow students and the community. Two students approached her at school to thank her for speaking out and shared that they also wanted to wear suits to school events.

Local fashion designer Peter Jean-Marie reached out after hearing her story and gifted Sophie five silk bow ties, teaching her how to tie an Eldredge knot.

Sophie encouraged others in similar situations to stick up for what they believe in, adding, to keep on pushing through even if other people don't agree with how they want to express themselves.