Local pastor and activist Kenneth Glasgow and KSG Consultants Ministries are hosting a prom tonight for students who have been barred from attending their school’s official event due to pending criminal charges. The event aims to provide a meaningful alternative for teens who have been caught in the crossfire of school policy and the legal system.
The idea for the prom was sparked by the story of a young woman who graduated in December with a 3.35 GPA but was denied the opportunity to attend prom or walk at graduation due to charges stemming from an incident in which she allegedly never exited the vehicle, according to Glasgow.
“She shouldn’t be punished for something she didn’t do,” Glasgow said. “She graduated early, with honors. And now, because of (charges) that will likely be dropped, she’s being excluded.”
Glasgow pointed out that the school district’s policy contradicts the foundational legal principle of “innocent until proven guilty.”
Several students — six to ten by Glasgow’s count — are in similar situations, and he believes these decisions by the school system could leave lasting psychological scars.
“When those charges are eventually dropped, the emotional damage will already be done,” he said. “We can’t let them miss these rites of passage.”
The DCS Code of Conduct indicates some infractions can lead to the revocation of the graduation ceremony of other school-related activities.
Glasgow and his team organized a fully-fledged prom experience, complete with catering, a DJ, formal wear, and security. The venue at Evergreen Plaza at 805 N. Lena St., donated by Ron Wilson, will host the event from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Glasgow has reached out to the city of Dothan and local law enforcement to ensure a safe environment for students and families.
“This isn’t just about one student,” Glasgow said. “It’s about standing up for every child who’s been denied because of a policy that doesn’t align with justice.”
Glasgow emphasized that the public is welcome to attend and show solidarity.
“This is about unity, about being part of a solution—not just pointing fingers at the problem,” he said. “If we don’t invest in our youth today, we’ll keep facing these same issues tomorrow.”
