Per UIL: "Students participating in remote learning offered by their school district, whether synchronous or asynchronous (as defined by TEA), may participate in UIL activities if they meet all other UIL eligibility requirements."

Pearland ISD is one of the few districts NOT allowing virtual learners to participate in UIL activities. Their wording is demeaning in their reasoning, and clearly being used to strong-arm parents to send their children in-person. For high-risk students, they are eliminating the ability to participate in UIL activities (like band) altogether. The argument that parents choosing virtual learning because of risk of infection must apply this reasoning to UIL activities is absurd and discriminatory toward remote learners.

Sending a child to participate in a safely conducted activity, within a consistent group of members IS NOT of the same risk level as sending a child to campus for the day to intermingle with hundreds of kids migrating between class in an unorganized and barely monitored manner. The plan as it's described is loosely worded, with many caveats, and does not ensure safety during class time or transitioning between classes ("whenever possible," "when feasible," etc). Their lack of commitment to ENSURE social distancing (it's "encouraged") throughout the day increases the risk to children more than other districts with clearer protocols and care for safety.  

The combined lack of commitment to providing a safe daily environment and discrimination against otherwise eligible students regarding UIL activities needs to be addressed. It is inappropriate for Pearland ISD to punish students who cannot, or do not wish to, risk their health and safety.

UIL is clear on their position of allowing equal opportunity for virtual and in-person students.