School moves prom from Stone Mountain due to protest concerns

STONE MOUNTAIN, Ga. - A school scheduled to holds its prom at Stone Mountain on the same day as a planned "pro-white" rally will be changing venues.

Peachtree Ridge High School Principal Jeff Matthews sent a note to parents addressing parents' concerns. In the note, Matthews wrote that the dance will still be held April 23, but will be moved to the Westin Buckhead Atlanta hotel.

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Last week, school officials assured parents that their students would be safe at the prom's original location, saying they didn't anticipate any problems.

A pro-white group known as "Rock Stone Mountain" plans to rally at the park the same day, and a group called "All Out Atlanta" is encouraging a counter-demonstration.

Seniors at Peachtree Ridge High School had mixed reactions when they heard about the prom being moved.

“I’m so happy that it’s moved, so my senior prom would be better and not so chaotic and stuff,” said McKena Richardson.

Stone Mountain Park released a statement Thursday in part reading "We respect the school’s decision and share in their disappointment that these divisive groups have chosen a family-friendly park to express their views. The reality of the park each day is the opposite of the views of these protest groups."

On Thursday afternoon, the Gwinnett County School System released a statement in part reading "While school leaders had been reassured that the prom and the other event would not overlap, they listened and understood the concerns raised by parents and community members and continued to look for alternative options."