In a tale that seems ripped from a satirical comedy, a family in Cobb County recently found themselves in a prodigious pickle because of a high school prom. Emily Wright, a senior at North Cobb Christian School, was living the high school dream, ready to celebrate one of the last rites of passage before donning that cap and gown. She had her dress, her friends lined up, and even a date in mind—one that turned out to be a bit more controversial than expected.

Emily decided to accompany a transgender date to prom, a move that ended up conspicuously earning her a one-way ticket out of the private Christian school just days before graduation. Now, one might find themselves asking: what did she think would happen? As if she was unaware her excursion into prom-ertainment might lead her down a rocky road paved with outdated beliefs and school rules. As Emily learned the hard way, attending a Christian school comes with an unwritten rule book that includes a strict “no promoting sin” policy, according to the administration.

Her mother, clearly caught off-guard by the school’s decisive actions, felt that sending her daughter to a Christian school would mean a safe haven for everyone. But apparently, “everyone” had a clause that they didn’t discuss on the enrollment form. The principal apparently had a stricter definition of “Christian values” than the mother expected—she might have thought she was signing up for love, but it seems she received a lesson in exclusion instead.

You can’t help but chuckle a bit at the absurdity of the situation. It’s like going to a vegan restaurant and ordering a steak, only to be told that perhaps, just maybe, that might not be the best fit for the menu. The principal even had the audacity to ask Emily’s mom if she had any idea there might be an issue with her date’s identity. Well, that’s a classic case of the obvious! You practically need a friend in a turtleneck with a cup of coffee spilling the tea to figure that one out.

What’s even more mind-boggling is that Emily is not alone. Schools either stick to their Gospels or go full Bohemian Rhapsody—except, in this case, the lyrics are more like “we will not tolerate what we do not approve.” The big question becomes whether rules and regulations should bend for inclusivity or stick rigidly to a set doctrine that some may view as outdated. After all, it appears that high school is increasingly becoming less about education and more about cultural camps, where the rules seem to change with every TikTok trend.

But as Emily found out, joining a public school after her premature exit was a bit of a silver lining. Suddenly, she was at a place where diversity did not come with a disclaimer—one can only imagine the relief that washed over her thoughts, wondering if she’d even graduate amidst the rows of red tape. And let’s be honest, while private institutions put on their pious facade, they’d better get ready to address the more profound issues of inclusivity and love before more students pack their bags, causing a big ol’ exodus from their so-called Christian values.

So, kudos to Emily for rolling with the punches and graduating on time despite the rocky road. Let’s hope others learn that real faith and acceptance never come with an asterisk.