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Students Encouraged to Express Themselves at Alternative Prom

Students Encouraged to Express Themselves at Alternative Prom

On Saturday, October 26th, Gender and Sexuality Student Services (GSSS), Black Student Union (BSU), Office of Student Life, Student Activities Committee (SAC), Queer Student Ambassador Program (QSAP), the Women’s Center and the Diversity Center hosted an event called Alternative Prom: Today 4 U. The event was held from 10pm-1am and was a twist on traditional prom.

The theme, Today 4 U, emphasized the event was all about students sharing their uniqueness and individuality. According to the event’s posting on UIS Connection, “at this prom, there are no rules or expectations on how you should dress or present yourself. Feel free to wear whatever makes you feel confident and happy, whether it’s traditional prom attire, a bold costume or your normal everyday attire.”

This resulted in a variety of expressions, from people coming in their sweatpants, to their best dressed and even Halloween costumes.

Kailynn Jackson-Green, who played a vital role in the event planning as student staff of GSSS, collaborator with Student Life and event coordinator of BSU, shared what inspired them to host the event.

“Toward the end of my freshman year, I researched student life before my time on campus and discovered SLB parties, which sparked my interest in reviving them in a meaningful way. After sharing my enthusiasm, my supervisor, Dre Duvendack, approached me about planning an Alternative Prom, a modern twist on the SLB party, and we immediately began working on it,” Jackson-Green shares. SLB parties were dance-like events that used to be held for UIS students in the Student Life Building.

Security at the event was a priority. The organizers wanted to maintain a space for free expression that was safe for all students. There was a UIS police officer present, and only small bags were allowed into the venue.

At the dance, students were greeted at a check-in table, where they were able to hang their coats, grab paper crowns and receive goodie bags. Inside the venue, there was plenty of seating, along with a dance floor, a photo booth, and a plethora of food. Students appeared to have fun chatting with friends over snacks and dancing the night away on the dance floor.

 

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