Illinois school apologizes after backlash over yearbook

OSWEGO, Ill. (AP) - A high school principal in northern Illinois has apologized for a yearbook headline that says, "No one ugly allowed."

The phrase is above a picture of the Oswego High School cheerleading team. The (Aurora) Beacon-News reports that a cheerleader quoted in the yearbook article says it's from a song meant to fire up the team before competitions.

But critics on social media blasted the headline as "shameful." Some say it sends a bad message to girls.

Diane McAroy works at a nearby teen center focused on empowering youth. She says the phrase plays into stereotypes about cheerleaders and may discourage girls from pursuing the sport.

Principal Mike Wayne called the phrase inappropriate. He says school administrators will work with yearbook staff to review content "more closely."

___

Information from: The Beacon-News, http://beaconnews.chicagotribune.com/