HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — A Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District cheerleading coach has resigned after accusations of enforcing discriminatory hair cheerleading policies. The cheer policy has also been revised.
This comes after five Hopewell High School moms said their daughters made the cheerleading team but were told if they wear braids or wigs, they would be kicked off the squad.
WCNC Charlotte received the following statement from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District:
Thank you for your inquiry. The cheerleading coach at Hopewell HS resigned her position effective 8-17-23. The policy, which was not a districtwide policy, was revised by Hopewell HS Principal Pickard and is as follows:
We are committed to the academic and social emotional growth of all our students -- safety, appearance. uniformity, and school representation are essential for our cheer program:
- Braids are allowed - 12in length.
- HAIR MUST BE SECURED away from the face & eyes and off shoulders, such as in a ponytail or updo.
The district tells WCNC Charlotte the goal of the policy was to protect students because it believes certain hairstyles can be a safety risk, but parents said it did more harm than good.
"Our children are basically being discriminated against because of hairstyles that are worn in the African American community," Narisha Paul Harris, whose daughter cheers, said.
Before the adjustment, a document shared with parents said, "No braids or crochet/faux locs (i.e. individual box braids, cornrows, knotless braids, wigs, unnatural hair color (light brown is fine), etc.) of any kind" were allowed.
“My daughter was in there in tears crying," Kanique Morand said.
“I don't see why the safety would really be an issue because my children and other children I know have successfully been able to do competitive cheerleading on, you know, national stages, without any issues," Johnesta Sainworla added.
The document parents received went on to say, "We will be stunting and we are making sure that there are no possible ways to damage the hair as well as making sure all [National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS)] rules regarding risk management are thoroughly observed."
WCNC Charlotte reached out to the NFHS, which writes competition rules for most high school sports and activities, and a spokesperson said they don't specifically forbid the hairstyles or adornments mentioned in the document, citing a rule by their organization that says, in part, "Hair-control devices, accessories and other adornments in the hair that are securely fastened, appropriate for the activity and do not present an increased risk to the participants are allowed.”
“We’re looking for an apology to these children because they have been bullied in practices when we have voiced our concerns," Paul Harris said. "We’re looking for a change in this rule."
Before adjusting the policy, CMS originally said in a statement, "All students are allowed to try out to join the cheer squad wearing any hair style they choose. Upon acceptance to the cheer squad, the current cheer guidelines call for a uniform hair style for all members of the squad regardless of gender or race. The guideline is applied for safety reasons as long hair could present a hazard when doing certain maneuvers."
“We're looking for henceforth, and now forevermore, for Hopewell and this entire county to not be discriminating against these children because of their hair," Paul Harris said. "It’s hurtful. It’s embarrassing, and it causes these children anxiety.”
Hopewell High School Principal Tracey Pickard declined an interview but said she's reaching out to parents directly regarding the policy.
Contact Kayland Hagwood at khagwood@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.