By Sue Kiesewetter
Enquirer contributor

WEST CHESTER TWP. - Let them all dance.

That was the conclusion Lakota educators made this week, reversing a two-week-old decision that limited Hopewell Junior School's dance team to 25 members.

It means the dance team could nearly double if all 22 girls who were cut after tryouts decide to join.

That satisfies at least one West Chester Township mother who fought to have the selection process changed after alleging students were picked on criteria other than ability.

"I'm pleased with the situation. It's how it should have been in the first place,'' said Cheryl Sims, the parent of one of three African-American girls who were cut.

Initially, 25 of the 47 girls who tried out for the dance team were selected. None was African-American. But after receiving calls from Sims and two other parents, Lakota educators reconsidered the decision to limit participation.

Principal David Pike met with all 47 girls Tuesday and sent letters home inviting those who had not been selected to join the team. Those who respond by today will be allowed to join the team, which begins practices Monday.

The team performs during halftime at seventh- and eighth-grade basketball games but does not compete with other squads.

"I believe they were professional,'' said Victor Duane Sims, an attorney and Cheryl's brother. "If more schools would recognize the importance of diversity and be willing to work with the parents on inclusion, I believe the educational system would advance significantly in this country.''

Mike Taylor, assistant superintendent, said the issue was not one of race but of the selection process. In past years African-American girls have been selected for the team.

"Our selection system did create a lot of subjectivity, not just for three girls, but for 22,'' Taylor said. "This was a great opportunity for us to be reflective and look at how more students could participate.''

To accommodate the students, Pike said the team would be divided into two squads. There would be a mixture of skill levels and age groups on each team, with team makeup changing, depending on the routine. A second coach will be added.

Meanwhile, discussions will continue on the selection process for future years.

E-mail suek@infionline.net