In a recent episode of TSR Investigates, host Justin Carter delves into the controversy surrounding a seven-year-old cheerleader named Ryan, who was allegedly removed from the Maryland Twisters cheerleading team due to concerns about her natural hair. The incident has sparked a debate on hair discrimination, prompting the team to address the backlash.
Ryan and her mother, SaRaya Woolridge, who are both Black, claim that the cheerleading coach took issue with the child’s natural hair, specifically a “half up, half down” style that has been consistently worn for three years and complies with the team’s policy.
During a recent competition, the coach reportedly informed Ryan and her mother that the hairstyle was not allowed, citing the hair as “too long” and demonstrated the preferred style—a high ponytail. Despite the team’s policy allowing for both styles, the coach emphasized that Ryan’s hair was longer than that of the child in the sample photo.
Woolridge, dissatisfied with the decision, penned a letter to the organization’s president, Tara Rall. In response, Rall sided with the coach’s assessment, claiming that Ryan’s hair appeared longer in real life than in the photos and insisting on a high ponytail for the next event. The communication concluded with Tara abruptly cutting Ryan from the team, stating that their values did not align.
After the hair discrimination accusation gained traction on social media through TSR Investigates, the Maryland Twisters faced significant public scrutiny. The team quickly changed its stance, and the episode explores how they scrambled to address the backlash.
This incident highlights the ongoing conversation surrounding hair discrimination and the importance of promoting inclusivity and embracing natural hair in various settings, including sports and extracurricular activities. Watch the episode for a comprehensive look at the situation and its aftermath.
