My daughter, a devoted athlete, was unfairly expelled from her cheer program due to social media posts where our family expressed unhappiness with some aspects of the program. These posts, mindfully composed, did not mention the program's name to ensure our dissatisfaction stayed within the private sphere. However, instead of addressing our concerns, the program retaliated by excluding my child from their team.

Being part of a sports program should foster camaraderie, respect, and fairness. Our experience revealed a darker side of the culture within the cheer program, where athletes and their families are suppressed from raising legitimate concerns.

We urge the New Jersey Attorney General, the Division of Civil Rights, and sports regulatory bodies to investigate this retaliatory action committed by the cheer program. This occurrence continues to send a chilling message to athletes and their families - one that undermines their right to free expression and fair play.

An ethical, safe, and supportive environment is non-negotiable for all athletes, and we need to ensure they are not silenced. It starts with ending retaliation practices, which will hopefully open up a constructive dialogue to improve the quality of the sport and the welfare of its athletes.

For the sake of my daughter and all the young athletes out there, please sign this petition to call for an end to these damaging practices within the cheer program.