Watch CBS News

CT Mayor Sides With James Tate, Who Was Barred From Prom For Posting Sign

SHELTON, Conn. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Lawmakers want a high school headmaster to take a second look at the case involving a student who asked a girl to the prom by taping a message to the front of the school and was subsequently barred from attending.

James Tate's note read in big cardboard letters, "Sonali Rodrigues, Will you go to the prom with me? HMU -Tate." HMU means hit me up, or call me.

RELATED GUIDES: 2011 Prom Dress Shopping |  Best Tri-State Area After-Prom Parties

Rodrigues said yes, but Tate was given a one-day suspension and is barred from the Shelton High School prom June 4.

Mayor Mark Lauretti on Wednesday told the Connecticut Post that the case may need another look.

"I'm not convinced the punishment here fits the crime, but I can say that about a lot of things," Lauretti told the paper. "These are kids and kids make mistakes."

School headmaster Beth Smith hasn't commented. School Superintendent Freeman Burr said he's aware of the national attention the case is getting and said he had no further comment on the issue at this time.

SOUND-OFF: Will School Officials Give In To The National Attention?  Will James Be Able To Take Sonali To The Prom? Share Your Thoughts In The Comments Section Below...

(TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.