A school in Louisiana has decided not to ban a lesbian student from wearing a tuxedo to prom, after her story circulated online.

Claudetteia Love, a student at Carroll High School in Monroe, Louisiana, was told by the school’s principal that she would not be allowed to wear a suit to the upcoming event.

The student – who is at the top of her class and has already earned a scholarship to a top university – complained alongside her parents to Principal Patrick Taylor, who told them: “Girls wear dresses and boys wear tuxes, and that’s the way it is.”

However, after the story circulated online, and members of the local school board decided to intervene, the principal has backed down.

Kate Kendell of the National Centre for Lesbian Rights said: “We are pleased to hear that Principal Taylor and the Monroe City School Board corrected this wrong before any serious harm was done.

“Forbidding girls from wearing a tuxedo to the prom would have served no purpose other than to reinforce the worst sorts of harmful stereotypes and censor a core part of Claudetteia’s identity.

“The school is doing the right thing by supporting its students and teaching them the value of respect and acceptance of one another’s differences.”

Ms Love said: “I am thankful that my school is allowing me to be who I am and attend my senior prom in tuxedo.

“Now that I can go in my tuxedo, I am looking forward to celebrating the end of my senior year with my friends and classmates at the prom, like any other student.

“The outpouring of support has been incredible and inspiring; it is a source of strength that I will keep with me as I move on the next phase of my education and life beyond high school.”

The girl’s mother Geraldine Jackson said: “I am very happy that the school reversed its position in time for Claudetteia and her friends to attend the prom together.

“Also, I am proud of Claudetteia for standing up for her right to wear a tuxedo to prom and for being true to herself.

“She should not have to miss out on an important milestone for all high school students because of what others might say or do.”