The theme of a junior/senior dance at Lexington High School has been changed from “American Pride’’ to “National Pride,’’ causing debate in the community.

Lexington, which played such a crucial role in the American Revolutionary War 240 years ago and whose school district motto is “The Historic Past Meets the Progressive Future,’’ has scrapped the red, white, and blue celebration on April 10 for a less America-specific focus.

Lexington High School Principal Laura Lasa’s office said a statement about the change will be released later today, but stressed that the dance was neither canceled nor rescheduled — it was always scheduled for April 10.


Carol Pilarski, assistant superintendent for Lexington Public Schools, told WHDH that officials wanted the dance to be more inclusive so students could represent their different nationalities.

Student Ethan Embry told WHDH he felt the decision was “ridiculous’’ and based on “hypersensitivity to being politically correct.’’

Student Sneha Rao told WHDH, “People consider America to be a melting pot, so the fact that it was even considered offensive is what people are a little surprised about.’’

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in the 2012-2013 school year, there were 1,991 students enrolled at Lexington High — 59 percent were white, 29 percent were Asian/Pacific Islander, 5 percent were African-American, 4 were Hispanic, 0.1 were American Indian/Alaskan, and 3 percent of students were listed as “two or more races.’’

Dr. Paul Ash, superintendent of Lexington Public Schools, did not return a call from Boston.com seeking comment.