A federal lawsuit and court ruling have allowed student athletes at parochial schools to be PIAA-eligible.
On Monday, a federal court order was issued that allows student athletes at faith-based private schools to be PIAA-eligible for their public school district’s fall sports team.
Students are eligible if their school does not offer the sport. Before the ruling, public school districts were not able to accept parochial school students to participate in PIAA activities.
In July 2023, a federal lawsuit was filed against the PIAA by parochial school families. The lawsuit argued that their children lacked athletic opportunities at their own schools, so they should be allowed to play for their public school districts.
Over two years later, a temporary court decision issued an interim consent order. The order gives the PIAA time to amend its bylaws to allow parochial students eligibility for sports this upcoming fall.
“The PIAA came to an agreement with the opposing party and has entered into a consent order that would permit faith-based students to participate in fall sports at the public school district of their residence, if the faith-based school does not offer the sport. For the time being, the consent order is only relative to fall sports. The PIAA Board of Directors are working towards a broader resolution with Bylaw changes that have moved forward, voting unanimously, last Wednesday, on a second reading,” said a statement issued by the PIAA.
The PIAA is expected to finalize its bylaw amendments by October. A final resolution is expected to be issued sometime after the amendments have been finalized.
“It is rewarding to see talented parochial school athletes finally being allowed to participate in their home school district’s athletic program. This is a huge relief for parents and students across Pennsylvania who have been unnecessarily excluded from participation simply because of their desire to pursue a faith-based education,” said Thomas Breth, special counsel for the Thomas More Society, who represented the plaintiffs.
Breth 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.”
