A federal court ruled that parochial school students in Pennsylvania will be permitted to play sport for the public school teams where they live if their school lacks a team.
The order was filed by the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania on September 15. The initial lawsuit was filed against the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) on July 29 by several students enrolled at parochial schools.
The plaintiffs alleged religious discrimination by the PIAA as students enrolled at charter schools as well as those who were homeschooled could play sports with public school students.
“It is rewarding to see talented parochial school athletes finally being allowed to participate in their home school district’s athletic programs. This is a huge relief for parents and students across Pennsylvania who have been unnecessary excluded from participation simply because of their desire to pursue a faith-based education,” said Thomas Breth, Thomas More Society Special Counsel.
The Thomas More Society, a law firm, represented the families.
David Aungst, one of the parents in the lawsuit, said he was "deeply grateful" that his son would now be able to play football "without us having to sacrifice our faith, values, and educational freedom."
"Faith is at the center of our family, and it means so much to know we don’t have to choose between living that faith and giving our son the chance to grow and excel on the field. We’re excited to be great partners with his new team and can’t wait to watch him thrive, both as an athlete and a young man,” said Aungst.
Faith and sports
The court's order permits parochial school students to play in their home school districts immediately, and the PIAA is in the process of changing its bylaws to formally comply with the ruling, said a release from the Thomas More Society. This process should be done by October.
“The PIAA’s current Bylaws are in direct violation of the constitutional rights of families who wish to provide their children with a faith-based education, while still pursuing athletic opportunities in their home school districts,” said Breth.
He continued, “We’re thrilled that as a result of our efforts, parochial school families are no longer forced to choose between a religious education and equal access to the full range of educational opportunities offered to other students at their home school districts. We couldn’t be prouder to have worked alongside these great families to end this longstanding discrimination."
