Basketball Players Stand Up For Bullied Cheerleader With Downs Syndrome
It’s all too common to hear stories of bullying and discrimination in schools across the country. However, there are still some bright spots in the darkness. Recently, a group of basketball players at a Wisconsin middle school showed that the power of inclusion and kindness can overcome all obstacles.
The Story
In late December 2019, Desiree Andrews, a cheerleader with Down syndrome at Lincoln Middle School in Kenosha, Wisconsin, was being bullied by some members of the crowd during a basketball game. As a result, three members of the Lincoln boys’ basketball team stepped in to put an end to it.
The boys, Miles Rodriguez, Scooter Terrien, and Chase Vazquez, walked off the court and into the stands, addressing the bully directly in front of their teammates and other fans.
“Don’t mess with her,” Rodriguez said. “She’s part of our team, and you treat her like family.”
The incident went viral when it was caught on video, which has since been viewed over a million times on YouTube and shared around the world.
The Aftermath
The positive reaction to the boys’ actions was immediate and tremendous. Andrews’ father, Cliff, told local news station WTMJ, “I couldn't believe it. I thought, ‘Who are these boys?’...It was the best day of Desiree's life. I said it before and I'll say it again. I've never seen Desiree that happy before.”
The basketball team’s coach, Michael Serath, praised his players, saying, “They’re not just basketball players. They’re young men that I’m trying to raise up to be good adults.”
The Kenosha Unified School District also responded, saying in a statement, “We are proud of our student athletes who supported Desiree in such a positive manner. Bullying behaviors of any kind are unacceptable in our schools, and we applaud the response of our Lincoln student athletes.”
The Power of Inclusion
While the boys’ actions were certainly commendable, they were also an example of the power of inclusion and what can be accomplished when people come together to stand up for what is right.
As Kristen Bell, a famous actress and Down syndrome advocate, put it, “It's important to recognize that the basketball players didn't just stand up for Desiree Andrews that day, they stood up for inclusion, for recognizing that different is beautiful and for kindness. I'm honored to say that the world is lucky to witness the kindness these young men possessed and shared.”
Conclusion
In a world that often seems to be filled with negativity and division, the story of the Kenosha middle school basketball team offers a beacon of hope. It shows that when we come together and act with kindness and inclusion, we can make a real difference in the world.
