Bill aims to save father-daughter dance

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - A Rhode Island lawmaker has a plan to save events like a father-daughter school dance that was canceled because of concerns that gender-specific events violated state anti-discrimination laws.

Sen. Hanna Gallo announced legislation Tuesday that would allow schools to provide activities specifically for students of one gender as long as similar activities are open to students of the opposite gender.

School officials in Cranston canceled the father-daughter dance last year. The school committee asked lawmakers to look at tweaking the law to allow such events in the future.

The Cranston Democrat says she understands why some parents and students were unhappy with the decision to cancel what she calls an important tradition.

She says her legislation would ensure gender-specific events can continue without weakening state law.