CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - An autistic student left his high school prom in tears Saturday because officials insisted that his date - his 24-year-old sister - was too old to enter.
Their father, Tone Whisenhunt, says he was unaware of a rule that students could not bring dates who are older than 20. He says an exception should have been made for his special-needs son, who wanted his older sister by his side to protect him from bullying at Montgomery Central High School in Tennessee.
The school's principal, Christy Houston, told the boy he could stay, but said his sister, Jessica Helling, would not be allowed to enter, according to Clarksville-Montgomery County Schools spokeswoman Elise Shelton.
Family friend Michelle Gordon says the community wants to turn their outrage into something positive. They'reraising funds now for an all-ages prom for the siblings and their supporters next month at the same location.