Girl, 12, told she can play on middle school football team

LANCASTER, Ohio, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- An Ohio school district has granted a 12-year-old girl's wish to play on her middle school football team.

The Fairfield County School District said its change of heart was a result of financial calculation, CNN reported. The American Civil Liberties Union had said it would support Makhaela Jenkins, 12, and her family in a court fight to get her on the team at Liberty Union Middle School.

"We have no intent of competing with the deep pockets of the ACLU in any litigation situation in order to secure a favorable judgment," the district said in a statement. "Therefore, we will allow female participation in contact sports."

Makhaela was told Friday she can join the team.