A sign at LSU’s athletic dining facility has sparked outrage across the cheer and dance community. The sign states that breakfast sandwiches are available only for student-athletes, explicitly noting that “cheer/dance not included.” The blatant exclusion has fueled frustration among LSU Spirit Squad members and their supporters, calling attention to a longstanding debate about the recognition of cheer and dance as true collegiate athletics.
LSU’s cheerleaders and Tiger Girls are required to meet rigorous academic and athletic standards, including mandatory workouts, GPA requirements, and extensive practice schedules. They dedicate countless hours to supporting other LSU athletic programs—cheering at football, basketball, gymnastics, and more—yet are still denied the same resources as other athletes. The exclusion from something as basic as a post-workout breakfast feels like more than just an oversight; it’s a loud and clear statement that their efforts aren’t valued at the same level.
Adding fuel to the fire, LSU is set to host three Varsity-run cheer camps this year, charging $475–$495 per athlete. The university stands to profit heavily from these camps, yet none of that money goes to the LSU cheerleaders.
“If the cheerleaders could run their own camps,” one industry insider noted, “they wouldn’t need the rest of the athletes’ breakfast—they’d all be on full scholarships and could buy their own meals. They’d be one of the richest sports on campus.”
The story first gained traction after LSU cheerleader Ryan Folse posted about the sign on TikTok. Within 24 hours, the post had over 111,000 views, 17,000 likes, and 470 reposts, drawing support from current athletes, alumni, and cheerleaders nationwide. Parents of LSU cheerleaders have also spoken out, noting how the university benefits from the Spirit Program’s contributions while failing to reciprocate even basic support.
