Shelton, CT high school student James Tate, who was banned from his prom due to his romantic invitation, received a tidal wave of international support via social networking, including nearly 200,000 likes on Facebook.  The administration ultimately reversed their decision and James Tate will now be able to participate in this once in a lifetime experience. 

"Sonalie Rodrigues will you go to prom with me? HMU - Tate"

Who knew such a simple sentence could spark such controversy?  Shelton senior James Tate asked his friend to prom in a completely unique way. He went onto school property early one Friday morning to tape his romantic prom invitation on the wall of the school.  Along with two of his friends, James taped 12-inch cardboard letters onto the side of the high school’s main building, resulting in the question mounted up high for all to see.
   
To James' delight, Sonali happily said yes. The administration did share such a positive response and accused him of safety violations and trespassing.   The outcome was a one-day, in-school suspension which according to school rules came along with a ban from attending his senior prom. The now prom-less teen said, "I have a date for prom but I can’t go."

Word of this story reached international attention as this ban spread thought Facebook and Twitter.  Some of his fellow classmates started a Facebook page simply titled "Let James Tate Go To The Prom." In only a few days, it reached nearly 200,000 "likes" from all over the country. Twitter was trending #TeamTate, and even a website was created in support of this teen.  James appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Today Show and countless news interviews.  There was an online petition that can be found on change.org. Some local businesses in Shelton were even going as far to support James by offering to donate their services for Tate to have an alternate prom. 

James Tate on Jimmy Kimmel Live:

Finally after this massive social media sit-in, the administration reversed their decision and James will now be able to attend his prom.  This is a strong case that social media has changed the way we receive and share news.