LHS Apologizes to Airman in Prom Dispute

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) – A Kansas high school principal who barred a member of the Air Force from escorting his sister to prom has apologized, saying the intent was not to dishonor him.

The southwest Kansas community of Liberal is now changing its policy to quell a firestorm fueled by a YouTube video and the girl’s letter to the Leader and Times newspaper.

Courtney Widener said Tuesday that she feels proud for standing up for herself and for what she thought was right.

The video shows her 22-year-old brother, Casey, standing at attention at the foot of the red carpet. He crisply saluted her as she went inside before leaving amid applause from bystanders.

Deputy Superintendent Paul Larkin said Tuesday a policy change allowing exceptions to the age restriction will be presented at Monday’s school board meeting.