A Fairfield County school district has reversed its course and will allow a 12-year-old girl to take the football field.
Makhaela Jenkins was previously told she wouldn't be able to play on the football team at Liberty Union Middle School in Fairfield County because she's a girl.
Makhaela and her family said they planed to fight the decision.
Her mother said she is capable of playing with the boys.
"What they're failing to realize is that not everybody fits where you want them to fit," said Anjee Jenkins. "And if they feel like they have the ability, they should be supported in their school system."
The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio also sided with the Jenkins.
The ACLU says the school is using "outdated and untrue stereotypes about gender to decide who participates in athletics" and that Ohio courts have ruled since the 70's that "if a girl wants to play football, and there is not an equivalent team for girls, she must be allowed to try out for the boys' team."
Friday night the district changed its stance.
Liberty Union-Thurston Local Schools Superintendent Paul Mathews released a statement explaining his decision.
"The Liberty Union-Thurston Local School District provides equal opportunity for both boys and girls to participate in extra-curricular programs, and complies with Title IX requirements," the statement reads. "Federal mandates provide local school boards the authority to make determinations regarding female student participation in contact sports, such as football. Our position on this issue has been made clear. However, we are also adamant that local tax dollars will not be wasted. We have no intent of competing with the deep pockets of the ACLU in any litigation situation in order to secure a favorable judgment. Therefore, we will allow female participation in contact sports."
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