This email was sent by a good friend and gave us the idea to push an update to the group. We have close to 1500 signatures in four hours. Our hearts are so full for the outpour of support for Rue, I will work to record a video of him and post to the group. If you feel compelled to also reach out via email to MSHSAA here is Dawn’s note. If anyone else has any great ideas please pass along!

This email was sent to  email@mshsaa.org today. Please join me in flooding their email with others like this. Feel free to copy and paste my email and add your own information. #letrueplay

Urgent Appeal for Fairness and Compassion: Let Rue Wells Play

Dear Members of the Missouri State High School Activities Association Board,

I am writing to express my deep concern and disappointment regarding the decision to deny Rue Wells the opportunity to play basketball during his senior year at Liberty High School. This decision appears not only unfair but also possibly discriminatory, as it disregards the extraordinary circumstances that led to Rue’s transfer.

Rue moved to Liberty from Springfield Central last year in an effort to escape severe bullying and to find a safe and supportive environment where he could thrive. His mother made the heart-wrenching decision to grant Steve Mortimer guardianship of Rue, prioritizing her child’s safety and well-being above all else. As a mother myself, I understand the weight of such a decision and the courage it took to ensure Rue had a chance to succeed in a healthier environment.

Blocking Rue from participating in basketball, the activity he loves and excels in, feels like a punishment for his family’s efforts to protect him. This decision not only denies him the chance to engage in a sport that provides structure, joy, and a sense of belonging but also sends a disheartening message to other students who may find themselves in similar circumstances.

I implore you to reconsider Rue’s hardship case. As educators, mentors, and leaders, our role is to make decisions that serve the best interests of our students. Denying Rue the opportunity to play basketball undermines the core values of fairness and compassion that we strive to uphold in our schools and athletic programs.

Please take a moment to reflect on the significant impact your decision has on Rue’s life and future. This is not just about basketball—it is about showing our students that we are here to support them when they need us most.

I urge the MSHSAA to stand on the side of empathy, equity, and what is right. Let Rue play.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Dawn Pointer