The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association passed an amendment Wednesday that alters its original stance on the eligibility of student-athletes attending charter, cyber charter and faith-based schools.
As reported by The Patriot-News of Mechanicsburg, these students are now eligible to participate in sports that aren’t currently offered at the schools they attend.
The amendment change stems from a January lawsuit brought against the PIAA by The Religious Rights Foundation of Pa., based in State College, alleging discrimination against parochial school students.
Related: PIAA Sued Over Parochial School Student Eligibility
Under the amendment, charter, cyber charter and faith-based schools are encouraged by the PIAA to enter a cooperative sponsorship agreement with other schools to offer the sports they currently lack, Tom De Martini reported.
The PIAA classifies a private faith-based school as one that integrates religious beliefs into its programs and activities.
"If no agreement exists, student-athletes at these schools are eligible to participate in the sport they choose in the school district they reside in, provided all other eligibility requirements, including school-verified evidence of full-time attendance, is met," De Martini wrote.
PIAA executive director Robert Lombardi said the amendment, as currently written, applies to fall sports only.
