MHSAA loses lawsuit

A small group of Grand Rapids-area women filed a lawsuit nearly 10 years ago claiming their athlete daughters were being discriminated against. What discrimination you ask? In Michigan, the high school girls basketball and volleyball seasons were played opposite that of colleges and most other states' high school seasons. Not sure why that is considered discrimination?

A federal judge has ordered the Michigan High School Athletic Association to pay millions in legal bills, plus interest, after its scheduling system was found to have discriminated against some female student-athletes. The girls have also now started playing their basketball / volleyball games the same time of year as the boys. This now creates a scheduling conflict for many area high schools as most only have 1 gym to practice and play games in. As a result many teams are now practicing in cafeterias, later at night or for the lucky few, in an auxiliary gym.

I'm still not quite sure why this has been deemed discrimination and is unfair to the female athletes of Michigan. To me, it seems like it would be beneficial to the girls since they would be playing at a time opposite the collegiate teams, thus making it easier for college coaches / recruiters to see them play. What college coach has time to go recruit and scout during their current collegiate season?

The women who filed the lawsuit did not receive any monetary reward from the verdict. The winnings paid for the Virginia based lawyer who worked on behalf of the women.