Post date: Jan 25, 2018 2:03:12 PM
School sees firsthand the devisive issue of gender equality, as the inequitable actions of the student section (KHS Jungle) are cast to the forefront of recent rhetoric, hallway protests and social media discussions.
Many people attending home basketball games have noticed KHS Jungle’s failure to stand, or cheer, during the recent women’s home basketball games. The student section is notoriously vocal during the men’s game.
The Jungle’s lack of support for their female classmates has resulted in discomfort from much of the school’s members, including coach of the Lady Tigers- Emily Powell.
Powell stated, “I think what the student section should recognize is that no matter the ups and downs, no matter how we perform, when our kids do stuff there should be support.”
The issue gained awareness as Oprah Winfrey’s recent Golden Globes speech, which also discussed gender equality, circulated global news.
Discussion has been taken to social media in recent days. With the hashtag “Stand4Both” trending, comments have been made regarding the strength KHS students have together, rather than divided, concerning issues.
Garrett Nichting, a KHS sophomore, tweeted, “Gender equality is valid,” while Powell pushed for “#StrongerTogether.”
Amid this cyber discussion, Superintendent Damon Kizzire showed his support by liking some of the tweets.
Kizzire noted in a telephone interview, “I’m thrilled that the student body will support and encourage and cheer for their team. When there is support, I think that is what makes Kirksville R-III great.”
The equality movement came to head as students led hallway protests with signs reading “#Stand4Both,” Tuesday, January 9.
During the home game Tuesday night, the student section was seen standing during the women’s game. However, no group cheers where sounded. The women lost 26 to 63.
Advocates for the movement believe that with more encouragement and the right environment, the women’s performance may improve. The student section, having come to support their classmates, ought to be encouraging and positive regardless of win, lose, or draw.
It does seem difficult, however, for KHS students to cheer for a team with a losing record (1-12). Many students expressed a lack of enthusiasm as they made comments about the women’s poor performance so far this year.
It is unclear whether the KHS Jungle would refuse to stand if the male team failed to perform successfully, or with as much excitement as they do currently.
Likewise, the Kirksville population seems to take less interest in women’s basketball- as the attendance for the women’s game is, on average, far less than that of the men’s game.
Kirksville is not unique in their gender bias. On a national trend, fewer people tune in to watch women’s sports on television, the Women’s National Basketball Association’s ratings are lower, and female athletes’ pay is less than that of male athletes’.
In a final tweet Tuesday night, Powell thanked the student section for their newfound support. Powell also stated, “Best believe we [Lady Tigers] will be back at the Tiger gym better the next time #StrongerTogether.”
With gender equality becoming a hot issue at KHS, it remains to be seen if the actions of the KHS Jungle will continue to improve during the remaining season. The Lady Tigers may continue facing an additional, unnecessary obstacle: lack of peer support.