A mother has filed a lawsuit against a Texas-based cheerleading organization, accusing them of “intentionally” discriminating against her 9-year-old daughter, who is deaf.
The complaint also alleged that Cheer Athletics placed “significant restrictions” on the interpreters’ ability to communicate necessary information with Mims’ daughter during practice.
The lawsuit accused Cheer Athletics of discriminating against Mims' daughter, causing her “severe emotional distress and denial of opportunity.”
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Mims had made numerous requests to Cheer Athletics to provide qualified ASL interpreters at her daughter’s practices and competitions that would allow her to communicate with staff members and enjoy the cheerleading program, per the suit.
Mims' daughter, Ari, 9, toldNBC affiliate KXASthat she loves “to cheer because it’s my favorite sport.”
Ari expressed her difficulty understanding her coaches, telling KXAS: “I can’t do it, and I get in trouble, and I get frustrated.“According to the complaint, Mims is requesting that Cheer Athletics end its alleged discriminatory practices and institute policies that would “ensure effective communication, full and equal enjoyment, and a meaningful opportunity for children who are deaf to participate in Defendant’s cheerleading program and competitions.”
Mims is also seeking declaratory and injunctive relief along with compensatory damages, the complaint added.
In a statement shared with PEOPLE on Thursday, Cheer Athletics said the allegations made in the lawsuit were false.
“Cheer Athletics spared no expense conferring with experts in the field,” according to the facility. “We spoke with the child’s doctor, who said a roger device was the correct accommodation for this athlete in the all-star cheer environment. We immediately purchased the roger device at our sole expense. The mother refused the roger device accommodation and demanded a translator. A translator was then provided at our expense.”
“We have advocated for this athlete to ensure she remains an integral part of her squad,” the statement added.
source: people.com
