The reason given, according to the referees: Campbell, as a woman, could not be put in a position of authority over boys because of the academy’s beliefs.
So far, so irritating religious-based sexism, of the kind that infuriates, but does not surprise. But what did surprise (and delight) me was that her male colleagues refused to cover the game:
Campbell then walked off the court along with Darin Putthoff, the referee who was to work the game with her.
Fred Shockey, who was getting ready to leave the gym after officiating two junior high games, said he was told there had been an emergency and was asked to stay and officiate two more games.
“When I found out what the emergency was, I said there was no way I was going to work those games,” said Shockey, who spent 12 years in the Army and became a ref about three years ago. “I have been led by some of the finest women this nation has to offer, and there was no way I was going to go along with that.”
The Kansas State High School Activities Association is now considering removing St. Mary’s Academy from its list of approved schools.
Comic strip meta commentary
Most Rhymes With Orange strips can be a little too grating or cute for my tastes, but sometimes Hilary Price gets it right on the nose.
Same goes for Get Fuzzy, which is funny but rarely incisive. And then occasionally it will make a comment worth listening to.