All Chicago Public Schools sporting events have been canceled for as long as the teacher strike lasts.
The Illinois High School Association on Monday denied a request from CPS waive the by-laws and policies related to strikes which would have allowed schools to continue to play games while on strike.
"At the request of the CPS, the IHSA Board considered a request to grant a waiver of IHSA By-law 2.140 which states in part that, ‘No team or other entity representing a member school may participate in an interscholastic contest or activity during the time the member school is not in session due to a strike by teachers or other school personnel," said IHSA Executive Director Marty Hickman.
The board said it felt respecting the guidelines put in place by member schools was the only option available, adding that any change to the by-laws would need go through the normal legislative process.
"We regret that the Illinois High School Association has denied our request, and are disappointed that the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) strike could deprive Chicago Public Schools' (CPS) student athletes the opportunity to pursue their dreams on the field," said CPS CEO Jean-Claude Brizard. 'The cancellation of games and practices forced by the CTU strike would impact 11,000 students currently playing varsity sports this fall, and could compromise their pursuit of college scholarship opportunities."
After a weekend of unsuccessful 11th hour contract negotiations, more than 26,000 teachers and support staff began hitting the picket lines Monday morning, making good on a promise to walk out on more than 350,000 students at 675 schools.
NBC Chicago has an array of reporters and producers covering the Chicago teacher strike. Check our live blog for continuous coverage and updates throughout the strike.
