Thalia Townsend Will Be Allowed to Play Football in West Tennessee

Trezevant, TN (WDEF) The ACLU in Tennessee says that a school district has agreed to allow a female student to join the Junior High football team.

ACLU-TN supported her cause after she was initially rejected.

Back in May, rising 7th grader Thalia Townsend attended a meeting where the team was soliciting players.

The coach told her that girls are not allowed to play football at West Carroll Junior/Senior High School.

But ACLU attorneys sent a letter to school officials saying the case qualified as gender discrimination under the Constitution.

Officials with the school district decide to let Thalia play.

“I couldn’t be happier. I just love playing football,” She said. “I love being outside and getting muddy, hanging out with my guy friends and being aggressive on the field. I am thankful to everyone who has believed in me and supported my family in this. Now I just can’t wait to get back out there and play for my school.”

“People should be allowed to work toward their goals and follow their dreams, no matter if they are a boy or a girl,” said Michelle Larsen, Townsend’s mother. “We love our school district and are thrilled that they are now giving Thalia an equal opportunity to keep playing. We hope this shows all students—especially younger girls—that if they believe in themselves and fight hard enough, they can do anything they set their hearts and minds to.”

The 13 year old’s case generated a national campaign to let Thalia play.