Black Cheerleader Says That Head Coach Kicked Her From Squad Because Of Her 30-Inch Braids

## Black Cheerleader Alleges Head Coach Removed Her from Squad Due to 30-Inch Braids

A Black cheerleader at Ottawa University has come forward with allegations that her head coach kicked her off the squad because of her hair.

Talyn Jefferson shared on Twitter that during practice, her coach asked her to take off her bonnet, which she refused to do because she didn’t want her long braids to accidentally hit her teammates. Subsequently, Jefferson claims the coach criticized her hair and ultimately dismissed her from practice and the team, as reported by the [Kansas City Star](https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/education/article248694865.html).

“I was removed from the squad for standing up against microaggressive comments made by the coach, which not only made me uncomfortable but others as well,” Jefferson explained to the Star. A viral tweet by Jefferson detailing the incident garnered attention, prompting an official statement from the university asserting that her removal was not related to her hairstyle.

According to the school’s statement, no student has ever been penalized or expelled for wearing box braids, bonnets, or any other hairstyle. Nevertheless, Jefferson feels that instead of acknowledging the inappropriate comments and discomfort caused, the university chose to dismiss her from the team on grounds of defiance and anger issues, which she adamantly denies, citing her clean disciplinary record.

Jefferson expressed her disappointment with the university’s response, highlighting her desire for fairness and an apology, which she claims she did not receive. It seems unlikely that Jefferson will be reinstated on the squad following this controversy.

These events shed light on issues of discrimination and inclusion, particularly within the realm of sports and personal expression.