AMITE, La. -- The Tangipahoa Parish School Board heard a complaint about a high school principal who did not allow a girl to bring a female date to her prom during the weekend.

Seventeen-year-old Jeanelle Ard, a Loranger High School junior, told the school board that the principal would not allow her friend to bring a female date to the prom Saturday because the friend and the female date are of the same gender.

Ard told the board that when she asked about the decision, the principal, who is Billie Theriot, said it was made for protection from bullying, fights and riots.

Ard said students must submit forms if they take dates who do not go to their own school. Ard said her friend did not find out the request was rejected until a few days before the prom.

Ard told the board that gay students should have the same protections from threats as other students have had in the past.

Ard said the issue "is not just about gay rights" but rights for all who "should be allowed to be how they are in a public setting. Principals and teachers should not choose for you."

Under board policy, board members do not respond to public comments during meetings.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)