Appeals court rules Michigan’s seasons violate Equal Protection Clause
Published 9:05 pm Wednesday, July 28, 2004
By By SCOTT NOVAK / Niles Daily Star
The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals Tuesday dealt the Michigan High School Athletic Association a tough loss.
The court ruled that Michigan's current sports alignment of interscholastic sports seasons violates the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution, an MHSAA release said.
The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a Dec. 17, 2001 decision by the U.S. District Court that Michigan must realign its sports seasons.
The decision was brief and unanimous according to the MHSAA.
Roberts added in the statement issued Tuesday afternoon, that the leadership of the MHSAA will be discussing the response of the Association.
This will include action to assure that no changes of seasons must occur in the 2004-05 school year, which begins with Fall sports practices next week.
No further comment will be made by the MHSAA until its leadership can decide how it wants to respond to the ruling.
That will include action to assure that there will be no changes during the 2004-05 season according to the statement.
Michigan will have to switch girls' volleyball and basketball seasons, along with boys' and girls' tennis and golf.