Tennessee High School Cheerleading Squad Charged with Gender Bias

A judge in Maury County, Tenn. has issued a restraining order stopping the selection of a cheerleading squad at Columbia Central High School because of a lawsuit alleging gender discrimination.

The lawsuit was filed by sophomore Olivia Owens and her parents against the cheerleading coach, the board of education, the director of schools and the school’s principal.

Plaintiff attorney Matt Bastain told The Daily Herald that the school is violating federal law by distributing different applications for boys and girls for the squad. He said the applications can be interpreted to prohibit girls from participating in other school activities other than cheerleading, but the boys are allowed to play football.

Jake Wolaver, the school system’s attorney, said the issue could have been settled without litigation.