We urge Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD), the SUSD School Board, Chaparral High School and any other involved party to reinstate Travis Shumake as a volunteer coach for Chaparral's Varsity Cheer Team effective immediately. Travis was "released" from his position for "Unprofessional Conduct" according to a SUSD representative. This decision came about immediately following Travis' visit to a business office in an attempt to persuade a father of one of the cheerleaders to change his mind and allow his daughter to attend the Cheer National competition. Travis did not speak to the father and was respectful during the visit. Several parents on the cheer team had encouraged Travis to contact the father on their behalf. We feel SUSD and Chaparral dismissed Travis due to this incident which in no way portrayed "unprofessional conduct." Up to this incident, Travis was allowed to perform in his role as a volunteer.
We feel Travis was unduly and unfairly punished and we support the reinstatement of Travis.