SMU drops restrictions for cheerleader with heart pacemaker

By JOANNA CATTANACH
The Dallas Morning News

Jamie Burns

A Southern Methodist University cheerleader will be allowed to participate fully on the squad after being sidelined at the beginning of the year because of concerns over her pacemaker, a school official confirmed Monday.

The cheerleader, Jamie Burns, had disclosed her medical condition when she tried out for the team. She practiced with the squad, participated in a competitive cheerleading competition and cheered at one football game before she was sidelined, said her mother, Marge Burns of Colleyville.

A transfer student on scholarship, the sophomore cheerleader was limited to just clapping on the sidelines with her teammates but wasn't allowed to suit up or move around through most of September while officials reviewed their decision.

After a third-party review, including input from Ms. Burns' cardiologist, the school's vice president of student affairs, Lori White, reversed her original decision Thursday.

Related Links:
 • The Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 • The Daily Campus

# # #