Lawsuit Filed Over Cheerleader Racism Claims

A federal lawsuit has been filed by the parents of a Black cheerleader from Cumberland Valley High School in Pennsylvania, alleging multiple instances of racial discrimination by her teammates and coaches. The lawsuit claims that during a hotel stay for a competition, the girl was forced to crawl on all fours and pretend to be a white teammate's pet, with teammates recording the humiliating act. Furthermore, it alleges that the girl was excluded from team photos, subjected to unfair discipline, and dismissed by coaches who told her she was not 'cheerleader-like' despite her elite tumbling skills. The suit names various school officials and coaches, accusing them of violating the Civil Rights Act and the Equal Protection Clause. The incidents reportedly began when the cheerleader joined the team in the summer of 2023 and continued through the 2023-24 season. The case highlights ongoing issues of racism in predominantly white sports teams.