Auburn mom says daughter with Down syndrome denied fair cheer tryout

Cameran Williams calls for more inclusive policies in school athletics after her daughter Bentlee was not accommodated during junior high cheerleading tryouts.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:06am

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph showing the blurred silhouette of a young person in a cheerleading uniform practicing a routine, with the background reduced to soft, colorful shapes and light.A student with a disability strives to participate in school athletics, highlighting the need for more inclusive policies.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 modifications would be made during the evaluation process.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing challenges around providing equal opportunities for students with disabilities to participate in extracurricular activities. It raises questions about how school districts balance fairness in competitive tryouts with making reasonable accommodations to promote inclusive participation.

The details

Despite the lack of accommodations, Cameran's daughter Bentlee still tried out and executed the required skills, including a back handspring. However, she was not selected for the team or offered an alternate 'spirit leader' role that Williams had suggested. The school district stated they follow laws and procedures regarding disability accommodations, but Williams argues more inclusive policies are needed.

  • Cameran Williams reached out to Auburn City Schools ahead of cheer tryouts in early 2026.
  • Bentlee tried out for the junior high cheerleading team in March 2026.
  • The team selections were announced on the Friday night following tryouts in late March 2026.

The players

Cameran Williams

An Auburn, Alabama mother who is advocating for more inclusive policies in her daughter's school district.

Bentlee

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

Auburn City Schools

The school district in Auburn, Alabama that oversees the junior high where Bentlee tried out for the cheerleading team.

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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).”

— 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.”

— 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 need for school districts to re-evaluate their policies and practices to ensure students with disabilities have equitable opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities alongside their peers.