8. "The opportunity to perform for our home events should not be taken lightly."
When did we EVER say it was taken lightly? As a Masonette of the “Final Four” era, I understand the privilege of performing and representing our school. That’s why I loved competing, because I was able to represent George Mason on the National stage, not only during the Final Four, but for years before and for years afterwards as I annually support the Masonettes at competition.
The University is still riding on the coattails of the Final Four run. I should remind you that the incoming freshmen this year were in 2nd grade when this monumental history took place. It is not relevant in their memory. The Masonettes have consistently placed higher than the GMU men’s basketball team (in the top 10 for Division 1 Schools) for 10 YEARS. That makes the Masonettes more relevant than basketball in terms of national recognition. Taking this privilege away will only hurt George Mason University.
9. "In fact, we feel it is a tremendous privilege and the performances are enjoyed and appreciated by our fan base, in many ways similar to that of the Green Machine."
The fact that you just brought up the Green Machine is the ultimate insult and a complete slap in the face. If you had made any effort to understand the spirit program at George Mason before cutting it off at the knees, you would understand that the Green Machine is a mega sore spot. I actually explained this in my original e-mail, but you obviously did not read it. So I will explain again. In 2002 when I joined the Masonettes, we danced to the music of the “Pep Band” (now the Green Machine, since I know you don’t know your Mason history) before home basketball games. The Pep Band was a bit of a joke. It was a small (maybe 10 or so members) rag tag group of amateur musicians who often couldn’t stay on beat, making it very difficult to dance to their music. Even back then as they are today, the Masonettes were placing top 10 in competition, but were forced to pay out of pocket for everything, get changed behind a curtain under the bleachers with poor lighting and no electrical outlets, subject to NCAA rules but no benefits, and often ignored and disrespected by the Mason Athletics staff.
Quickly, it was 2006 and I was a senior. We were in the middle of a crazy basketball tournament run. The 10 member Pep Band was still showing up to the games in their yellow/green jerseys which were provided by the school. Suddenly we were in the Final Four. How crazy was that, right? It was time to make arrangements for the Masonettes to fly to Indianapolis on the team plane so we could support our basketball team on the big stage. Except we were informed that there was only room for 6 of us on the plane. Being Captain, I got to go. But the entire rest of my team drove across the US in their PERSONAL VEHICLES to support the GMU Men’s Basketball Team in the Final Four.
When we boarded the plane, in addition to the team, and the few select Masonettes and cheerleaders, there were suddenly 20-25 members of the Pep Band. Where did they come from? The Pep Band had suddenly doubled. Half of these people had never worked at a single basketball game, and here they were riding for free on the team plane! All while the Masonettes drove 12 hours by car to the Final Four, after spending 4 years cheering at every single home game. Brad, let’s pretend you aren’t a male chauvinist. How would this have made you feel?
I also want to mention that it is my understanding the Green Machine gets paid to perform at basketball games. I also know that they were off at a drum line competition this past weekend. How can you compare us to and encourage us to strive to be like the Green Machine, when the Masonettes have been in existence for 3 times as long, and don’t get any of the same benefits?
10. "That will remain our priority and focus as we look with excitement to enhance our program to the greatest degree possible going forward."
I am totally on board with enhancing the program to the greatest degree possible. But what you have done is take a giant step backward. Women’s sports (whether they are officially recognized by the NCAA or not) are important for growth and education. You would think a modern University such as Mason would value a chance for women to grow and learn, not take it away from them. Whether or not it was your intention, by taking away the ability of these athletes to compete in their sport in favor of looking pretty on the sidelines cheering for the “real sports”, you have made yourself and George Mason University look sexist and chauvinistic. This has not gone unnoticed.
The GMU Masonettes alumni remain ferociously dedicated to our coach and our team. Regardless of whether she is still the coach or the team is still in function, we intend to bring this issue to light within the University, Fairfax, Virginia, and the world. It is a sad day when Mason Athletics cuts a team for $14,000 debt- when the alumni have offered to pay out of pocket. With your lack of explanation, I can only assume you have an ulterior motive. A sexist itinerary that you are filtering down into your athletic organization like a poison.
TL/DR:
· Your committee’s findings are invalid because your data was biased and incomplete.
· You have taken George Mason backwards 30 years.
· Instead of shutting us up with your e-mail, you completely insulted every single one of us and made us even angrier.
· You need to provide a clear and concrete reason why the Masonettes can no longer compete nationally. You owe this to nearly 30 years worth of Masonettes who have poured their heart and soul into supporting George Mason University.
· We, the alumni, have taken it upon ourselves to create a petition which has nearly 2,000 signatures and has gained the attention of local media. I suggest reading through the comments to see how others are feeling about your decision. It has already impacted many decisions to attend Mason or even apply.
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/673/810/020/
· We intend to continue to push for equality. I strongly urge you to at least try to look at this issue from our perspective. I understand you have a daughter. I am sure you would want her voice and concerns to be heard and respected. I also have a daughter. This is why I am going to continue to challenge your decision.
· One of our current Masonettes said it best. The main issue here is not that you have taken away national competition. It is that this is the final straw in 30 years of being treated like 2nd class. This decision has brought all of the mistreatment that we overlooked to the surface. While you may have had the “final say”, this discussion is far from over.
Most Sincerely,
Sarah Davis Gish
Class of 2006
