For better or for worse, one of the trends currently in vogue is the “bumping and grinding” style of dancing that has been popularized in countless music videos and has now become a staple of dances at George Mason.  In the past, the school administration has cautioned students against inappropriate behavior at dances by posting signs warning students to dance in a way that they would not be embarrassed for their grandparents to see.  Those signs have not been posted at Prom or Homecoming, however, because, according to Guy, these formal dances “do not usually have a ‘club’ atmosphere.”   However, Mr. Guy said, in the last few years, chaperones have noticed more and more questionable behavior at even these formal events and have become increasingly reluctant to supervise school dances.

Assistant Principal Tim Guy, left, discusses proposals related to appropriate behavior at student dances with committee members Maggie Jones, Sean Follin, and Louise Robertson. Together they have fashioned a “Dance and Activity Philosophy Statement.” (Photo by Margaret Lipman)

“This issue has been growing and it has come to a turning point,” said Mr. Guy.  That “turning point” came at Homecoming this year, when a record number of students, 540, attended the dance, creating an atmosphere that both students and faculty found very crowded, though they lauded the large turnout.  In the days following Homecoming, several parents contacted the school administration to express concerns that their children had felt pressured to dance in a way in which they were not comfortable. 

“Why would we allow something on a Friday night in the cafeteria that we wouldn’t allow during the day?” asked Mr. Guy during a meeting of TA representatives last month, raising a point that received both empathetic and indignant responses from the students.    Yet the administration made it clear that before the next school-sponsored dance can occur, an agreement needs to be reached in order to set parameters for what can be considered appropriate.  Mr. Guy stressed that he was more than willing to work with students, faculty, and parents to reach a solution that everyone can live with.  “Something’s got to change,” he told the TA reps, “but how it changes is up to you.”

It should be known that contrary to popular belief, the presence of eighth graders at high school dances is not the issue.  The administration wants to ease the concerns of parents and faculty about what occurs at school dances and ensure that all students are able to have fun and enjoy themselves in a way that does not compromise the comfort of others.  This will also include discussions and deliberations about a situation raised in numerous conversations about the dances in TA’s.  Many students mentioned the prevalence of alcohol use prior to these school events, a new issue that has certainly caught the attention of the administration. 

So far, two additional meetings have been held on the subject of student conduct, one of which was attended by faculty members and the other open to all students.  Most recently, seniors Louise Robertson, Maggie Jones, and Sean Follin met with members of the administration to draft a “Dance and Activity Philosophy Statement,” which outlines the school’s purpose and intent for sponsoring dances in the first place.  Although it has yet to be finalized, the statement cites promoting “unity, spirit, and a positive school climate” and providing students with opportunities for social growth as the goals of all GMHS dances.  Also, the dances are intended to provide student organizers with leadership experience and create “a welcoming and safe environment for all.”  Yet although the dances are undoubtedly intended to be fun and enjoyable, students are expected “to demonstrate respect, responsibility, and integrity.”  The philosophy statement was modeled on the Honor Code in that it reminds students of the responsibilities they are expected to fulfill. 

A list of guidelines for chaperones is currently being written, detailing the specific behaviors that are clearly “over the line” and will not be permitted at school events.  Mr. Guy hopes that Robertson, Jones, and Follin will collaborate with other student groups such as the Mustang Ambassadors, the SCA, and the SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) Club to write those guidelines.  He admits that this is a complex issue that requires a very frank (if somewhat uncomfortable) discussion, but hopes that students and faculty can come to a consensus if the next dance (scheduled for January 5, following a home basketball game) is to have enough chaperones and boast a successful turnout.