Auburn Mom Calls for More Inclusive Cheer Tryouts After Daughter Denied Spot

Cameran Williams says her daughter Bentlee, who has Down syndrome, was not given fair accommodations during junior high cheer tryouts.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:53pm

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A blurred, impressionistic photograph showing the silhouette of a young girl in a cheerleading uniform practicing her routine, with the background softly out of focus in a hazy, dreamlike style that captures the emotional essence of the story.An inclusive cheer program would allow all students, regardless of ability, to participate and feel a sense of community and belonging.Auburn Today

An Auburn, Alabama mother is raising concerns about inclusion in school athletics after her daughter, an accomplished gymnast with Down syndrome, was not given a fair shot when trying out for a junior high cheerleading team. Cameran Williams says she reached out to the school district ahead of tryouts to ask about accommodations, but was told no changes would be made during the evaluation process, despite federal guidelines allowing for reasonable modifications.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing challenges for students with disabilities who want to participate in extracurricular activities, as schools must balance fairness and consistency in tryouts with providing appropriate accommodations under the law. It also raises questions about whether alternative roles, like 'spirit leader' programs, could allow more inclusive participation.

The details

Despite the lack of accommodations, Williams says her daughter Bentlee still tried out and performed well, learning the required cheer, chant, and dance, and even executing a back handspring. However, Bentlee was ultimately not selected for the team or offered an alternate role. Williams had suggested the school create a 'spirit leader' position, but the idea was not pursued.

  • Bentlee tried out for the junior high cheer team in April 2026.
  • Williams reached out to the school district ahead of tryouts to request accommodations.

The players

Cameran Williams

An Auburn, Alabama mother who is advocating for more inclusive cheer tryouts after her daughter with Down syndrome was denied a spot on the junior high team.

Bentlee

Cameran Williams' daughter, an accomplished gymnast with Down syndrome who tried out for the junior high cheer team.

Auburn City Schools

The school district that oversees the junior high cheer program and told Williams no accommodations would be made during the tryout process.

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What they’re saying

“Despite these barriers, Bentlee tried out and she did amazing. She learned the cheer, chant, dance, and even tumbled (back handspring). While she may not have performed at the same level of execution as her typical peers, she showed the required skills could be executed.”

— Cameran Williams, Mother

“Auburn City Schools provides all students with access to extracurricular activities, including athletics and cheer programs. Students are welcome to participate in tryouts, and the district follows the laws and established procedures regarding disability accommodations. All evaluation processes within ACS, such as competitive tryouts, are designed to guarantee fairness and consistency for all participants, in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.”

— Auburn City Schools spokesperson

What’s next

Williams is now calling on Auburn City Schools to consider changes that would allow more inclusive participation in athletics, including potential accommodations during tryouts or the creation of alternative roles for students with disabilities.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges for students with disabilities who want to participate in school sports and activities. While federal laws require reasonable accommodations, schools must balance fairness and consistency in tryout processes. Exploring alternative inclusive roles could help provide more opportunities for all students to be part of their school communities.