Still suspended after attending prom

FINDLAY, Ohio (WUPW) - Administrators at Heritage Christian School in Findlay are still standing by their decision of suspending 17-year-old senior Tyler Frost, who attended his girlfriend's prom Saturday evening at Findlay High School.

"It was fun, we had a good time. I'm glad I went," Tyler said.

Tyler is suspended for the remainder of the school year and will not be able to graduate with his classmates May 24.

"I still don't really agree with the school's decision, but it was worth it," Tyler added. "I am ready to face the consequences."

Tyler's family supports his decision to attend another school's prom, despite his school's strict fundamentalist Baptist values. Stephan Johnson, Tyler's stepfather, said the school shouldn't be in control 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

"This is a free country and we should be able to do what we want. If it's okay with his parents, then it should be okay," said Makenna Opsomer, who attends Findlay High School.

"I think it's not right," added Shawna Hall, who also attends Findlay High. "I don't think it's right at all. I think he should have been able to go to our prom."

Although many Findlay students side with Tyler and his decision to attend prom, Heritage Christian School Principal Tim England said the move is a serious offense against the school's policy, which forbids "dancing, rock music, hand holding and kissing."

"At a prom there will be many ladies dressed in low cut dresses how does a young man not have a lustful thought like that," England told FOX Toledo on Friday before Saturday's prom.

"Christianity is a growing relationship with Christ, and if you're going to grow and become more like Him, you have to be obedient with what he says."

Tyler's stepfather said on Friday it's not a matter of religion, but a matter of principle. Johnson believes the rules shouldn't apply outside of school.

"Overall, me, myself, I didn't do anything that I regret and I didn't make any stupid decisions or anything," Tyler said. "I just wish that he would have had more confidence in me in the first place to make those decisions."

His family plans to take legal action against Heritage Christian and Principal England if he does not change his mind and lift the suspension.

"I think he'll feel like a coward if he doesn't hold up to what he says," Makenna said.

School officials said he could complete his final exams separately to receive a diploma.

Tyler and his stepfather are taking this ordeal to New York City and are expected to speak with the national media.

(FOX Toledo's Allison Brown and Sharia Davis contributed to this report)