Families with students at parochial schools in Pennsylvania filed suit on July 29 against the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA), alleging religious discrimination.
The families, which are represented by the Thomas More Society, say that the PIAA discriminated after not allowing students at parochial schools to partake in activities offered by their home school districts, but not by their individual schools.
Charter school students and homeschooled students were, however, permitted to participate, said the says the suit.
“The PIAA is a state actor and must abide by the Commonwealth’s laws and respect the constitutional rights of Pennsylvanians. That means allowing parochial school students the opportunity to participate in sports offered at their home school district when the sports are not offered at the student’s parochial school,” said Thomas Breth in a statement provided to Aleteia.
Breth is special counsel at Thomas More Society.
“Educational experiences, be it in the classroom or on the field, are integral to the development of young students, and those opportunities cannot be denied to students based solely on their families’ faith-based educational choice, he added.
The PIAA regulates interscholastic athletic competition throughout Pennsylvania middle and high schools. Its membership includes both public and private schools located within the commonwealth.
Earlier win in Pennsylvania
Earlier this summer, a federal judge in a related case found the State College Area School District (SCASD), located in State College, Pennsylvania, had violated the rights of parochial school students. Previously, SCASD did not allow parochial school students to participate in activities not offered by their schools. Charter school and homeschooled students were free to participate in SCASD activities.
“The Constitution is clear," said Breth. "Pennsylvania families do not have to choose between a faith-based education or their child’s educational and athletic opportunities."
"The PIAA must make this right," he added.
"Until then, we will continue to fight for these students and their families to ensure they have the same opportunities as every student in the Commonwealth, regardless of their educational choice and religious affiliation."
