Perhaps so. But these activities are not required to excite the crowd and, as I noted before, perhaps not advisable due to the high risk of serious injury or death. Moreover, as I also pointed out, her inclusion on the squad doesn't prevent other girls from doing these things if they so desire.
Do you contend that the crowd would be affirmatively de-excited, if you will, by her presence? "Gee, I'd really love to cheer for the team, but I can't believe the girl in the wheelchair is holding up a sign that says 'GO TEAM.' I just don't know how I could cheer after seeing such a sight."
Prior posts: Our high school cheerleaders did a lot more than hold a sign and wave pom poms. They did pyramids, jumped in the air and did splits. Sometimes the gals would carry other cheerleaders on their shoulders during a cheer.
Perhaps so. But these activities are not required to excite the crowd and, as I noted before, perhaps not advisable due to the high risk of serious injury or death.
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I suppose you are correct that the cheerleading squad could be redefined in a way that would exclude no one, regardless of disability. And I agree that this girl is inspirational, and could likely contribute to crowd enthusiasm at athletic events. That said, we should not require school groups to redefine what they do in order to allow someone otherwise not qualified to be on the team. From the article, her sister was on the squad (apparently able-bodied), and made the team based upon the requirements that had been established.
Jumping, dancing, yelling, doing gymnastic stunts, participating in pyramid formations, etc. are all part of what, with very exceptions, every cheerleading squad does. There is a uniformity required, in movement and in appearance. I’m afraid this young lady would be conspicuous by her disruption of this uniformity. Could the cheerleading team sit behind desks and cheer from there? Sure, but that is not a cheerleading team by any reasonable definition. I guess all members could be in wheelchairs to establish the uniformity component, and learn from this girl how to do the moves that she does. But what is required (and logical) is “reasonable” accommodation, not an abandonment of what the team is and does. I am sure that some potential cheerleaders don’t go in for the short skirts and tight sweaters, perhaps for moral or religious reasons. Should the team be required to wear pants and baggy shirts (or maybe burkas)?
This young lady is asking too much, in my view.