Governor Kay Ivey signed legislation into law on Tuesday, granting participants in the state's school choice system protection from discrimination when participating in high school athletics after Ivey and other state leaders filed a lawsuit last year.
The bill, also called the "Let the Kids Play Act," relates to responses from the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) to the state's Creating Hope and Opportunity for Our Students' Education (CHOOSE) Act, a law that established education savings accounts for students who pursue alternative schooling methods or attend a school outside their zone.
Last year, Ivey and House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) sued the AHSAA, requiring transfer students using CHOOSE Act funds to sit out from athletics for a year. A judge granted a temporary restraining order against the AHSAA, allowing affected CHOOSE Act students to participate in sports while the lawsuit proceeds.
The new law, which is effective upon Ivey's signature, allows participants in a new school choice program to sue the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) in certain eligibility disputes.
"The Let the Kids Play Act stands up for students and families who followed the law and played by the rules," Ivey said. "The CHOOSE Act was designed to expand educational opportunities for all Alabama students, not to be twisted to take it away. That is why I was proud to sign this bill into law. Every child deserves a fair shot both in the classroom and on the field."
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The bill, sponsored by State Sen. Clyde Chambliss (R-Prattville) and carried by State Rep. Danny Garrett (R-Trussville) in the House, would allow a CHOOSE Act participant to pursue injunctive relief or damages for an action taken by any interscholastic athletic association based solely on a student's status as a CHOOSE Act participant.
"This legislation reinforces the core promise of the CHOOSE Act by ensuring that no student is denied the opportunity to participate in athletics solely because of their educational choice," Chambliss said. "By establishing clear enforcement mechanisms, we are ensuring that every student has a fair and equal chance to compete. I appreciate my colleagues in the Legislature for their support in getting this bill across the finish line and thank Governor Ivey for her continued leadership and support for all of Alabama's students."
"Participation in athletics is a vital part of a student's overall development, and this bill ensures that CHOOSE Act students are treated equally both in the classroom and on the field," Garrett added. "With real accountability measures in place, this legislation ensures that no student is treated differently because of their participation in the CHOOSE Act. I am grateful to my fellow legislators for their support and to Governor Ivey for her commitment to putting Alabama students first."
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