The Buzz: Parent-child events banned

CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI/AP) - A controversial decision in Cranston has put a ban on all parent-child events. Now, a senate candidate says he wants to do something about it.

Republican Sean Gately said if he's elected in District 26, he'll work to change a Rhode Island state law banning father-daughter and mother-son events.

The new ban was brought to Gately's attention Monday following a situation at Cranston schools.

According to The Providence Journal, The ACLU sent a letter to the Cranston School Superintendent Judith Lundsten on behalf of a single mother. The complaint revolved around the woman's daughter being unable to attend a father-daughter dance at her school.

School attorneys say that federal Title IX legislation banning gender discrimination does give an exemption for these events. Rhode Island state law does not.

School Committee member Janice Ruggieri says she believes the school system can adjust and host "family dances" to accommodate all types of parenting situations.