Enter the ACLU. The organization claims that, under Rhode Island law, there is no exemption for any gender based activities in schools.  In fact, the Rhode Island law can be interpreted to be broader than the federal law. And the school district is, understandably, scared about racking up big attorney's fees in defending a lawsuit on this. Hence the ban.

Rhode Island law makers and school officials are working to figure a way out of this. And the solution is simple. Pass a state resolution to change state law to mirror Title IX, and allow "traditional yet inclusive events." Or, even simpler, just call the dances something else, like "family night," or "children's choice," so that everyone is included and welcomed. And everyone should be included and welcomed.

But can the ACLU really believe that this is a good use of their resources to threaten a lawsuit over what is fundamentally a positive event?  Some of my most cherished  memories of school days with my children are those mother  and daughter, and mother and son events.