Here’s an example of stereotyping that hurts youngsters of both genders:
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. * * *
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. * * * Barner took the case to the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights. A settlement has been reached.
The full news article is here.
-Ralph Michael Stein
