"Father-daughter" and "mother-son" activities are popular traditions in the United States.

But school officials in Cranston, R.I., recently banned "father-daughter" dances after a mother complained the events represent a gender bias.

"I think we really do a disservice to the kids when we create gender stereotypes or when we create any event that might make a family feel excluded," explained Carolyn Mark, who helped file the complaint.

The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit against the school district, citing a state law that says gender discrimination in education is prohibited.

In response, school officials changed policy and ended gender specific dances but also passed a resolution asking the state to change the law to make an exception for "mother-daughter" and "father-son" activities.