A Baytown, Texas cheerleader and her mother are speaking out on what they feel is discrimination from a school coach.
Speaking to ABC News 13 in Texas Kemirah Jn-Marie, the only African-American member of Ross S. Sterling High School’s varsity cheer squad, says she’s been singled out by the team’s coach and threatened with a ban for wearing her hair in braids despite wearing them neatly in a ponytail for games. According to Kemirah, the coach says her style is out of compliance with current cheer guidelines but upon review, no such rule exists in the Sterling HS guideline with regards to braids.
Hair must be “pulled back in a secure pony tail” and hair “must not distract from the cheer environment.” The policy also states that an administrator will determine if a hair style is disruptive.
Kemirah’s mother Mayra Jn-Marie says she’s requested that the rule regarding hairstyles be placed in writing but the district refused.
“I said, ‘If that’s the case, put it in writing. Just put it in writing,'” said Mayra Jn-Marie. She says the school district refused.
“She’s been harassed. She’s been bullied by her teacher, and I’m tired of it,” said Mayra Jn-Marie
Beth Dombrowa, Director of Communications for Goose Creek CISD, issued the following statement regarding the allegations.
“This student is not the only cheerleader who has been asked to correct her hairstyle, or other parts of her uniform; further, she was in no way reprimanded, punished or kept from participating – she was simply reminded to use the agreed-upon hairstyle. In no way do we discriminate, or tolerate, discrimination of any student.”
Kemirah was allowed to attend the game Saturday with braids in her hair. No further action has been taken by the family at the present time.