It is not uncommon for a school extracurricular function to host a faux “awards show,” rewarding participating students with a prize acknowledging their behavioral traits as a means of friendly ribbing. The cheerleading squad of Tremper High School in Wisconsin has done such an idea, handing out awards named “Biggest Boobie” (for largest breasts), “Biggest Booty” (for largest rear end), and “String Bean” (for smallest figure).
While most parents are always proud to see their children win awards, many cheer moms and dads among the 100 people attending the cheerleading banquet were not very impressed by these particular prizes.
“I looked around and thought, ‘Did that just happen?’” one mother told the New York Times. “If my daughter would have won one of those awards, I would’ve absolutely been rushing the stage. It was just so wrong, in so many ways.”
Also angry is Tremper graduate Asma Kadi Keeler, who now works as a staff attorney for Wisconsin’s chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union. The ACLU is now threatening to take legal action against the high school for allowing these awards to happen, suggesting that it promotes body shaming.
Tremper High School Principal, Steve Knecht, was reportedly told by cheerleading coach Patti Uttech that the awards were the senior class’ idea in 2017 because “they are always getting butts in their faces and other body parts,” the coach told school administrators, according to the New York Times.
The Times also reported that Uttech was asked to resign in May 2018, but instead only apologized to the team and refused to resign.
While Tremper High has been asked not to repeat awarding the “Big Boobie” or “Big Booty,” or even a blonde wig for being a “ditzy girl,” whether or not the request will be honored is unsure. The Times article also states that the cheerleading squad’s next banquet in March has only invited cheerleaders and coaches. Parents are not allowed.
What do you think? Do these awards support the harmful objectification of female high school students’ bodies, or should these parents chill out and be proud to know their daughter is impressively well-endowed? Let us know in the comments below!