Private schools file lawsuit against IHSA

A group of 32 private high schools is suing the Illinois High School Association for its use of a new enrollment multiplier they say puts them at a disadvantage when they compete against public schools in state athletic tournaments.

The rule, adopted by the IHSA Board of Directors in March, was put into place because private schools, which can draw students from larger areas than public schools with fixed boundaries, were believed to be winning a disproportionate number of state championships.

Under the rule, private and public non-boundary schools with enrollments of at least 450 students must multiply their enrollment by 65 percent for the purposes of placing them into classes for state tournament play.

With the multiplier, 24 of the IHSA's 751 member schools -- 17 private and seven public -- were moved from Class A to AA. Nineteen schools appealed to remain in Class A, nine of which were successful.

In the lawsuit, the schools called the multiplier "a deliberate effort to dictate wins and losses."

The schools also are seeking a temporary injunction.

The Missouri High School Activities Association uses a 35 percent multiplier for all private schools.

-- The Associated Press