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Religious students in Pennsylvania can now participate in public school sports teams, following a federal court ruling on Monday (September 15). The interim consent order allows parochial students to join their hometown public school district's athletic programs if their current school does not offer the same sport. This decision comes after a lawsuit filed by the Thomas More Society, which argued that the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association's (PIAA) bylaws violated the First and Fourteenth Amendments by excluding parochial students from public school athletics.
According to KATV, the lawsuit was initiated in late July by the State College-based Religious Rights Foundation of Pennsylvania. The legal action claimed discrimination against parochial school students who were previously not allowed to participate in public school sports. The PIAA has agreed to amend its bylaws to comply with the court's order.
The ruling is seen as a significant victory for religious students and their families. Thomas Breth, special counsel for the Thomas More Society said "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."
The PIAA is expected to finalize the bylaw changes by October, but the court order allows parochial students to participate in PIAA-regulated sports immediately. Parents are advised to contact their home district's Athletic Director and Superintendent to confirm eligibility and complete necessary paperwork. The Thomas More Society emphasized the importance of this ruling, stating it ends longstanding discrimination and allows families to pursue both religious education and athletic opportunities.