Posted on 01/10/2008 5:40:53 PM PST by Cagey
GLENDALE, Ky. -- Bobby Thorn wanted to be the only boy on his school's cheerleading squad, but that didn't happen.
The 13-year-old attends East Hardin Middle School in Glendale, but the controversial decision to cut him from the team expands beyond the district's boundaries.
Bobby's mother filed a discrimination claim with the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights two years ago, and now a settlement has been reached.
Bobby works with coach Jen Brewer at a gym called Becca's Fliptown, something he's been doing since he was about 5. He's been successful, too, winning trophies for gymnastics and cheerleading.
“Bobby's phenomenal,” Brewer said. “You don't have this kind of kid with this kind of potential walk in your gym every day.”
With his award-winning experience, Bobby tried out for the cheerleading team at East Hardin, but there was a twist: He was the only boy trying to make it.
Despite his flips, his tryout was a flop. He didn't make the team.
“I was devastated,” he said.
So was Bobby's mother, Melissa Barner, who said she has sworn statements from other parents stating the coach admitted cutting Bobby because she didn't want a boy on her team.
What especially bothers her is the coach was also the school's human resources counselor.
“I teach my children not to discriminate and when he had it done at a school where he is supposed to be safe and protected, I had to protect my child,” she said.
Barner took the case to the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights. A settlement has been reached.
In the settlement agreement, the school admits no wrongdoing but the commission has ordered mandatory training for the principal, teachers and coaches at the school.
In addition, school administrators must submit an annual report to the commission for the next three years and include any additional complaints.
The school also agreed to pay $3,000 to Bobby's mother.
“It was a long process, but I knew in my heart I did the right thing for my child to tell him not to back down,” Barner said.
“This settlement was made in the interest of children, to keep our staff teaching children instead of participating in a lengthy trial,” said Hardin County Public Schools representative Dick Thornton.
“It felt great,” Bobby said.
Since his disappointment in sixth grade, Bobby hasn't tried out for the cheerleading squad in seventh or eighth grade, but may do it in high school.
As for the woman who cut him from the team, she is no longer the cheerleading coach.
It’s really about whether the school can decide or whether that freedom is taken away from them and handed to the courts. There is no constitutional right to be a cheerleader at your school.
“Woo hoo Mom, buy your little wussy some elton john CDs.”
The guys at our school who were cheerleaders and in gymnastics were among the most sought-after by the girls. One was the top football player in the school. Absolutely none were wussies or gay, and you wouldn’t have wanted to tangle with him.
Is that Huck?
Maybe he had a few too many tangles with cheerleaders and calling them names on a message board is the ony way to get back?
“School Refuses To Let Boy Join Cheerleading Squad”
Good. That’s just creepy.
Oh, c’mon, he was 10 when this happened...I’ll bet he still sings show tunes.
“...you’ve embarrassed yourself, imo.”
HAhahahaha... the little wuss was 10 when this happened...probably still wears his mom’s high heels.
“Absolutely none were wussies or gay, and you wouldn’t have wanted to tangle with him.”
Lol. Whatever you say.
Bad attitude. Let's hit the man haters where it hurts.
And BTW, male college cheerleaders get as much action from the female cheerleaders as the football players do.
Man......that is beautiful! I think the cheerleaders have won 15 national titles the past 20 years, talk about a dynasty!
Go Big Blue!
Is that Huck?
I know nothing!
But I learned everything I know from "The Huckster".
We never had this conversation.
For the last time...the little kid was 10...doubt he was doing this to hit the chicks.
From the article:
Bobby works with coach Jen Brewer at a gym called Becca's Fliptown, something he's been doing since he was about 5. He's been successful, too, winning trophies for gymnastics and cheerleading.
Maybe he just tried out because it was something that he was very good at.
Hey, I'm not particularly crushed that my son isn't a cheerleader in grade school, but I'm not that little boy's parents. If he was good enough, he should have made the squad.
As a teacher, what peeves me is that now all the teachers at the school have to take some BS sensitivity training because of an issue they had nothing to do with.
When I was a young man I aways wanted to be “in” the senior cheer-leading team. One at a time. :^)
“If he was good enough, he should have made the squad.’
Hey, no argument. Not once have I questioned that.
“Lol. Whatever you say.”
It’s obvious you have no idea whatsoever. The main male cheerleader at my high school remains married to the absolute hottest girl in the school. He was also the top male gymnast.
Not talking about high school/college...we’re discussing a 10 yr. old. Now he won’t try out at 13. Sounds like a wuss to me.
I’ve seen them at one of the biggest D-1 colleges. They are certainly muscular, but you need to have a little more than that to “kick butt”.
Only one at a time huh? You must have been missing a few hormones! :)
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