“High school football is the new battleground of COVID-19 school reopenings.”

Christine Ashby, associate professor of inclusive special education and disability in the School of Education, was quoted by USA Today for the story “High school football is the new battleground of COVID-19 school reopenings.” Many school districts have halted certain activities due to budget cuts and the COVID-19 pandemic, yet some sports programs are still pushing for their seasons despite the high risk of spreading the virus via contact sports. Ashby argues that there shouldn’t be a double standard in what activities get prioritized over others. “If it’s too dangerous to hold classes in person, including physical education, and if other meaningful extracurricular activities such as theater and band have been put on pause, why should sports resume,” says Ashby.