Fab Five: Texas Cheerleading Scandal

The trademark phrase of American optimism is "Only in America!" Well this is well and truly an example of American elitism. 5 "Mean Girls"-type cheerleaders in Texas, near Dallas ran McKinney North High School. It helped that one of the girls was the principal's daughter. They told teachers to shut up, used offensive language and hand gestures, they skipped school and were subject only to their own rules while other students were forced to follow school policy.

Why? Because they were cheerleaders and because Linda Theret, the principal who was in charge of a whole school of kids could not even handle her own kid. They say everything is bigger in Texas - like egos and hypocrisy?

The girls went through 5 cheerleading coaches in 3 years. No one wanted to deal with their "Untouchable" personas and massive, unchecked egos. Then the girls took it one step too far with one of their new coaches, Michaela Ward. They ignored her attempts to teach them, they stole her phone and sent explicit messages to her husband and a fellow coach at the school. Mrs. Ward resigned then went straight to the media to inform the public about the school. An investigation was made into the principals conduct allowing the girls to run rampant in the school and giving them preferential treatment.

It was during the resulting school district investigation that pictures came out of the girls on MySpace, all minors, in a store holding explicitly shaped candles and one of them in a compromising position with the candle. There was also a photo of the girls drinking under age. All of them were given 15-day suspensions from school. Now here is where it is interesting.

Even though it was understood that the girls were bullies and were running the school, they were allowed to stay. Principal Theret was offered a deal to resign: $75,000 and a glowing recommendation. Now, really, does that seem fair? Would you want this woman in charge of your school? She can't control one 16-yr old girl, let alone a whole school. And how are those hiring at other schools supposed to know about her past failure when she has a letter saying she did a great job???? She should not be allowed to work in the school system and she should have DCFS monitoring her daughter and her other children. Way to go Texas...