A recent incident in Michigan involving a six-year-old girl named Kinsley Brink, who has Down syndrome, has sparked widespread outrage on social media platforms. What started as a local cheerleading team matter quickly turned into a national discussion about inclusion and the biases faced by individuals with disabilities. The young girl’s resilience shines through despite the hurtful comments directed at her.
- Kinsley Brink is a six-year-old cheerleader proudly participating with her team in Michigan.
- The controversy began with negative comments from Mindy Tyler, the girlfriend of Kinsley’s father.
- Social media users quickly rallied in support, sharing messages of love and encouragement for Kinsley.
- The incident exposed deep-seated biases against children with Down syndrome in team sports.
- Despite adversity, Kinsley’s story inspires conversations about true inclusion in communities.
This story not only highlights the challenges but also the incredible support that poured in from around the world for Kinsley and her family. It serves as a reminder of how communities can come together to uplift those who are often marginalized. The wave of positivity underscores the strength found in acceptance and understanding.
1. Mindy Tyler’s Initial Hateful Comments on Social Media
Mindy Tyler, a former cheerleader and coach from Michigan, posted inflammatory remarks on Facebook targeting Kinsley Brink. She questioned what qualifies someone as a cheerleader, implying that a child with Down syndrome could not meet those standards. Her words were seen as dismissive and rooted in misunderstanding about disabilities.
- Tyler claimed a cheerleader must speak to say the cheers clearly.
- She emphasized the need to do all movements synchronized with the team.
- Memory and comprehension for knowing the next cheer were highlighted as essential.
- Following directions, including when to be quiet, was part of her criteria.
- Her post ended with a vulgar phrase dismissing the idea that uniform makes a cheerleader.
Tyler’s post listed specific abilities like speaking cheers, performing movements, and following directions, suggesting Kinsley lacked them due to her condition. This rhetoric ignored the joy and participation that cheerleading brings to all children. It caused immediate backlash from parents and online communities alike.
2. The Shocking Family Connection Revealed
A TikTok user known as @mama.b.energy uncovered a devastating detail in the controversy. Mindy Tyler was actually dating Kinsley Brink’s father, making her comments a direct attack within the family circle. This revelation turned public criticism into profound betrayal and heartbreak.
- @mama.b.energy is a former cheerleader and mother of a child with special needs.
- She displayed a photo of Kinsley’s team, pointing out the young girl proudly.
- The video revealed Tyler as the father’s girlfriend speaking negatively about Kinsley.
- This family tie intensified the emotional impact on Kinsley and her loved ones.
- It transformed the story from general bias to intimate family cruelty.
The video shared photos of Tyler with Kinsley’s dad, emphasizing the personal nature of the cruelty. It described Kinsley as having “a little extra love” in her chromosomes, celebrating her Down syndrome positively. The exposure led to even greater outrage and calls for accountability.
3. Tyler’s Refusal to Apologize and Further Criticism
Instead of retracting her statements, Mindy Tyler escalated by criticizing parents of children with special needs in sports. She argued that some force their kids into activities they cannot handle, just for the title. This stance ignored the benefits of inclusion and participation for all involved.
- Tyler blasted parents for wanting their child in sports despite capabilities.
- She said parents ignore coaches’ efforts to make the team look unified.
- Hard-working kids are affected negatively, according to her view.
- She called it unfair to the team and coaches overall.
- Suggested getting help needed before considering team sports.
Tyler claimed it was unfair to coaches and other team members, suggesting special needs children drag the squad down. She advised providing help before sports involvement, overlooking evidence of successful participation. Her words were met with compilations proving children with Down syndrome thrive in athletics.
4. Powerful Counter Videos Showcasing Capabilities
TikTok user @thiphillips82 created a montage of children with Down syndrome in sports to refute Tyler’s assertions. Clips included a girl wrestling fiercely and another cheering enthusiastically with her team. These visuals proved passion and ability transcend diagnoses. The video caption directly addressed the controversy, supporting Kinsley and Down syndrome awareness. It called her “pretty capable of being a badass,” encouraging passion for sports. This response highlighted opportunity and spirit over perceived limitations.
- One clip featured a little girl tackling an opponent in wrestling determinedly.
- Another showed a cheerleader pumping arms and cheering with teammates joyfully.
- The montage linked directly to Mindy Tyler’s post about Kinsley Brink.
- Caption urged support for Down syndrome and love for sports.
- It emphasized capability defined by spirit, not diagnosis.
Such content inspired viewers to see potential in every child. It shifted focus from deficits to strengths and achievements. The videos became viral tools for education and inclusion promotion.
5. Overwhelming Social Media Support for Kinsley
Messages of encouragement flooded social media for Kinsley Brink from global users. A commenter from Scotland pledged full support, saying TikTok was on her side. Others praised her as amazing and deserving of the world.
- User from Scotland supported Kinsley, noting no one needs Mindy.
- Another called the young lady amazing and world-deserving.
- Special ed teacher loved her, referencing high school cheerleader with DS.
- Messages encouraged Kinsley to keep cheering and pursuing dreams.
- Overwhelming positivity showed children like her have strong allies.
A special education teacher shared love, mentioning her own student cheerleader with Down syndrome. These notes affirmed Kinsley was not alone in her journey. The solidarity proved community power in combating negativity. This outpouring healed some wounds and boosted Kinsley’s confidence. It demonstrated how online platforms can foster kindness and change. Support continues to grow, inspiring similar acts of allyship.
6. Emmie Tallent’s Inspiring Sideline Performance
Emmie Tallent, a 13-year-old from Chattanooga, Tennessee, with Down syndrome, was cut from her school cheer team due to limited spots. Undeterred, she learned the entire routine from the sidelines during a game. Her sister Sydnee captured this in an Instagram video.
- Emmie performed the full routine from sidelines after being cut.
- Sydnee’s caption admired Emmie’s confidence and resilience.
- Even neurotypical girls better than Emmie didn’t make the team.
- School was super supportive, making hard decisions sometimes.
- Emmie involved in cheer since kindergarten, made team in earlier grades.
Emmie matched every move perfectly, showcasing her dedication and quick learning ability. The family noted the school’s supportiveness despite the tough decision. Her confidence remained unshaken, aspiring others. Her mother Lisa described Emmie’s initial confusion turning to sadness later. Yet, Emmie picked up routines by watching, a skill from cheer camps. This story teaches perseverance and joy in participation.
7. Sydnee’s Motivation to Share Emmie’s Story
Sydnee Tallent began posting about Emmie in November 2023 to spread her sister’s humor and positivity. She aimed to show the fulfilling life possible with Down syndrome. Exposure helps those unfamiliar see the joy involved. Sydnee believes sharing Emmie teaches self-esteem lessons to the world. Her unwavering resolve to cheer inspires confidence in others. It promotes understanding and reduces stereotypes.
- Sydnee wanted to share Emmie’s positivity with a wider audience.
- Posts showcase life fulfillment for individuals with Down syndrome.
- Helps people without exposure witness associated joy.
- Emmie’s story offers lessons in self-esteem and resolve.
- Encourages viewing beyond disabilities to personal strengths.
By highlighting Emmie, Sydnee advocates for broader acceptance. The videos humanize experiences, fostering empathy. They contribute to a narrative of capability and happiness.
8. Morgyn Arnold’s Yearbook Photo Exclusion
Morgyn Arnold, a 14-year-old from Utah with Down syndrome, served as team manager for her junior high cheer squad. She attended practices, learned routines, and cheered at games. Yet, she was omitted from the chosen yearbook photo.
- Morgyn regularly practiced and cheered at every home game.
- Returned home full of questions on the last school day.
- Photo with her showed a big grin in purple tee middle.
- Excluding photo used in yearbook and promotional materials.
- Jordyn hoped no one experiences such deliberate exclusion.
Her sister Jordyn Poll shared the heartbreak when Morgyn came home deflated. Two photos existed: one including Morgyn centrally, the other without. The excluding version was selected multiple times. The school called it a mistake, apologized, and reviewed processes. Morgyn’s family saw no malice, focusing on advocacy. They plan meetings for better disability support.
9. School’s Response and Focus on Inclusion
Shoreline Junior High acknowledged the yearbook error publicly, expressing sadness. They committed to preventing future incidents through process reviews. Apologies were issued to Morgyn’s family directly. Despite pain, the family chooses forgiveness and understanding. Morgyn remains forgiving, advocating for love and inclusivity. They emphasize collective empathy over division.
- School labeled photo selection as an unfortunate mistake.
- Expressed deep sadness and committed to improvements.
- Apologies given to family for the oversight.
- Family believes no discriminatory intent was present.
- Focus on loving one another and being more inclusive.
This response models accountability and growth. It turns a negative into educational opportunity. Advocacy continues for systemic changes benefiting all.
10. Brittany Davila’s Struggle with High School Cheer
Brittany Davila, 16, from Texas with Down syndrome, cheered since middle school but was barred from high school team. Told she was a liability, she had to sit in stands. Her father Ruben questioned the inconsistency. The family was dumbfounded at a volleyball game arrival. Public support surged overwhelmingly. School confirmed her honorary membership status.
- Brittany cheered actively from middle school onward.
- Barred due to being called a liability by school.
- Father asked why not liability for others equally.
- Overwhelming public outpouring of support received.
- Remained honorary squad member, honored in program.
Meetings led to better mutual understanding of concerns. Agreements formed to resolve issues ongoing. It highlights need for flexible, empathetic solutions.
