VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) – A pride assembly that was planned for Monday at Cox High School has been cancelled according to the Hampton Roads Pride president.

Michael Berlucchi, the President of Hampton Roads Pride, said the administration decided they can’t hold a “club” event during school hours even though the assembly was approved by the principal at Cox High School weeks in advance.

Hampton Roads Pride “unites the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) and allied communities in support of inclusion, dignity and equality of all people,” according to its website.

Berlucchi said that students at Cox High School had worked for months planning the event for their peers and dedicated their time, talents, and hearts toward creating a more inclusive school environment where all people are respected and valued.

“I am extremely disappointed that school administration would make a decision to cancel this event on a Sunday and the day before the important and historic assembly is scheduled to occur,” said Michael Berlucchi.

Eileen Cox, Chief Media and Communications Officer for Virginia Beach City Public Schools, released this statement: