Just when I start to think that maybe we don’t really need a forum like this focused on the unique challenges women face in the work world, another ridiculous story pops up.
This month it was the woman referee who was told to step away from officiating a boys basketball game at a private religious school outside Topeka. The people in charge reasoned that they could not allow a woman to be put in a position of authority over boys.
Star reporter Steve Rock’s story, along with subsequent articles and columns, generated hundreds of comments on The Star’s Web site, and a bunch of letters to the editor. If you doubt that gender issues stir people up, take a look: htttp:// www.kansascity.com/105/story/487355.html.
Lots of voices, to be sure.
But what about the voice of the woman who suffered through this discrimination?
Referee Michelle Campbell acknowledged she was dumbfounded (not angry), but she really didn’t have anything to say about it.
An understandable reaction. Like many women, she may not want to be an example, a martyr or a crusader. On an individual basis, the slight can be dealt with. Why make a fuss? We’re used to it, and people face lots worse than this.
Campbell later told The Associated Press: “I kind of want the focus to go back to the kids, why we are out there and why we do this officiating, To me, it’s about the kids who are in the sport of basketball and being a good role model for them.”
I don’t think Campbell means “we” to mean women but instead officials as one species. Unfortunately, society doesn’t seem ready for this.
I am the mother of a high school basketball player — a boy — and for many years I have witnessed the reaction to female refs. Subtle it may be, but it’s almost always there, this uneasy feeling until respect and true authority are earned.
What’s disheartening is that this comes from the crowd of observers, the very people our boys really do look to as role models.
So for this ridiculous referee story I am grateful. It has helped a quiet voice be heard.
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