Cheerleading Equity Policy

Like many other aspects of school-based sports, cheerleading is a uniquely American sport phenomenon. The earliest cheerleading started with men who rallied students at college football games before the turn of the century. Women began to participate in the 1920s; however, it remained a largely male-dominated activity until World War II. Since then, cheerleading has evolved into a women-dominated activity, common in high school, college, and professional sports. Today, it includes sideline cheering at athletic events, competitive cheering competitions, and dance and drill teams. Despite the athletic ability needed in this activity, it is not yet defined as a sport.

Cheerleading in schools and colleges raises significant questions about the role of physical activity and sport under Title IX. In March 2009, Quinnipiac University cut the ...