The Bloomington Cheerleaders are some of the most undoubtedly strong, fearless, and spirit-filled members of the BHS community (alongside the other sports of course).  To take commitment in fulfilling the position as a cheerleader means long hours of training, mental preparation, and time away from homework. When a team member is bullied, harassed online, or mistreated in front of family and friends on the bleachers during games, it can be a struggle to find meaning to be on the team anymore.  

Coach, Connie Barrela, has kept this behavior up for many years and has not been a good example for the BHS cheer team. The qualifications to be a cheer coach, according to the position located on the CJUSD website, states that a cheer coach must, "Emphasize good sportsmanship, academic excellence, positive attitude, and character". Sadly, many parents, members of the team, and especially alumni know that this good behavior has not been demonstrated. According to alumni, after previously reporting the Coach with teachers by her side, she felt that Connie "hasn't changed".  Another Alumni stated that she felt “there was nothing to do about it anymore, I wish I never lost my love for cheering because of my experience with her.”  

The behavior I speak of consists of gossiping, online harassment (such as Instagram posts, and text message arguments [according to alumni], and slut shaming).“She would even comment on people's bodies, like I really don’t think a coach should be calling a bunch of teenage girls big when they aren’t even big”(BHS 2021 Alumni). Another Alumni similarly says that " she would talk bad about our teammates to other people on the team, and she would play a lot of favoritism". She adds on stating "If she doesn't like you for some sort of little thing... she will make your life hell." There are various proofs [videos, messages] of these that I will not include or cite because students have already reported, and nothing was done about this. Coach Connie has also missed various cheer practices as well, which has led to various parents being concerned about what is really going on under her supervision. 

The BHS cheer team deserves an empowering, respectful, and experienced coach who will not make these young women/men feel worthless and unimportant. These girls deserve to be in a group that does not tolerate gossip and arguing but promotes skills, technique, and team building. The BHS cheer team deserves a coach who will be there every step of the way for their journey until it is time for them to graduate.  

If this continues, no girl/boy will ever want to be a part of the BHS cheer team, and if the bullying continues, outcomes can be far worse. Please sign this petition so that this situation is finally resolved. If you are someone who has more to say and finally speak out on, please do not be afraid. No one deserves to be treated as Coach Connie has treated her team these past couple of years.

-[It is clear that no exact evidence has been provided, but the proof and specific complaints have already been sent to the administration and are confidential matters. Please do not add on hate speech or threats of violence.] Qualifications for Coach at BHS