No other league in the New York state is ripping college opportunities away from its students. Tell the New York City Mayor, the New York City Department of Education, the Public School Athletic League (PSAL), and the New York City School Chancellor, to allow student athletes to pursue opportunities that will allow them to pull themselves out of poverty and receive a quality education without incurring overwhelming debt.  

New York City is the home of the largest school district in the United States. Of the approximately 1.8 million students enrolled: 

• 13.3 percent of students are English Language Learners
• 20.8 percent are students with disabilities
• 73.0 percent are economically disadvantaged

Race or ethnicity:

• 40.8 percent Hispanic
• 24.7 percent black
• 16.5 percent Asian
• 14.8 percent white
• 138,648 are in charter schools

With 73 percent of our students being economically disadvantaged, it is imperative the NYC Department of Education and the Public School Athletic League provides as many opportunities for students to earn scholarship money to increase college completion rates and upward economic mobility. 

As of today, students are only allowed to compete in PSAL sponsored events despite forcing many athletes to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. All student athletes are barred from participating in New York State or National competitions, in spite of earning the right to do so. This arbitrary rule will rob students, many who come from marginalized communities, the opportunity to be placed on a college coach's radar, and ultimately be offered a Division I or II scholarship. 

Additionally, all coaches are required to be inoculated to hold their positions.