http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2009/10/cheerleaders-barred-from-holding-up-bible-verses-as-football-games.html?csp=34
You know, cheerleaders never really struck me as the overly religious type, at least not the ones from my high school. But in this case, they're holding up signs that encourage you to "take hold of eternal life," instead of sticking to the traditional "GO BEARS!"
I can see both sides of this.
On one side, I really admire the cheerleaders for bringing something they so deeply and spiritually believe in to an event that does claim a good deal of publicity and attention, especially from their peers. That is quite a feat, and rather ballsy to display Bible quotes so far out of their usual element. Whether anyone else actually appreciates the signs remains to be seen.
On the other hand, I do agree with Catoosa (GA) school superintendent Denia Reese for invoking the ban. The signs could easily spark a lawsuit from any resident who feels that his or her rights are threatened by the public display of Bible verses at a football game. It is certainly a question of free speech, and of course the cheerleaders have the right to advertise their strong devotion to God. However, I do not believe it's correct to show that belief when it may make others extremely uncomfortable, especially when they were just under the impression that they were attending a football game to cheer on their son, the linebacker.
Personally, if this had happened at one of my high school football games, I would have felt violated and definitely would have complained.
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