Principal apologizes for 'insensitive' prom tickets language

The principal of a New Jersey high school is apologizing after some students were offended by language on the tickets. The Cherry Hill High School East senior prom tickets urged students to "party like it's 1776" during the event at Philadelphia's National Constitution Center.

The student body vice president said the ticket slogan was produced and approved by a diverse committee of students. She said the theme was American Independence and the prom committee meant no harm.

“We thought it would be fun to do a play on the Prince song “Party Like It’s 1776” because of the Constitution Center,” said Madison Vogel, Cherry Hill High School East student body Vice President.

The catchy line prompted Principal Dennis Perry to apologize. Perry tweeted out a letter which reads in part:

“It was insensitive and irresponsible not to appreciate that not all communities can celebrate what life was like in 1776. I especially apologize to our African American students.”

Vogel said students got the letter on Friday, the last day prom tickets went on sale.

“We want everyone to be included. It’s our senior prom. We don’t want anyone to be offended,” Vogel stated.

But, offense was taken. Civil rights advocates told a local newspaper while the intent may not have been to upset minority students, but celebrate American independence, the slogan brings to mind a painful part of United States history for many community members. A pain that is still raw for many members of the community.

As for Madison, she said the class has designed a new ticket, one she hopes is inclusive of all and the student body is looking to learn and move forward from the controversy.

“We’re just really trying to bring our senior class together one more time before we graduate,” Vogel said.