“It doesn’t make any sense” – American Country Public Schools Refuse Lacrosse Participation for Bullying Victim

For someone who underwent a horrific period of bullying in high school, the decision to shift schools seemed like the best decision. Senior high school student Lily Sigler sought the transfer after repeated instances of bullying by her peers, which took a massive toll on her mental health.

She made the jump at the end of the 2022-23 academic year, based on the special permission granted to her by the high school. A passionate lacrosse player, authorities informed her that due to the prevalent structure, she would be unable to play lacrosse for her new institute. The family is now amidst a battle with a board and has filed a lawsuit against them.

High school lacrosse player’s career hangs by a thread

During the meeting when Lily and her family finalized the transfer, school officials made her lacrosse participation situation clear. After long and intense discussions, the officials at the end of meet assured the family that steps to grant a waiver exist. What they also promised was a smooth transition and no roadblock to her participation.

A few days later, her waiver was refuted by the officials at Independence High school. Based on the denial letter submitted by Chief of Staff Neil Selvin, the school stated that her participation is not possible because she wasn’t transferred by division. But it also stated that a waiver can be granted in case of undue hardships for the student.

According to Lily and her family, Virginia High School League told them bullying was under the blanket of undue hardships but it wasn’t accepted. To deny someone the chance to participate and play a sport they love, after going through such turmoil is nothing but perplexing. VHSL guidelines say that undue hardships include: a broken home, death of parents, abandonment, or other emergencies. They also say some hardships on a student are not compelling enough reasons.

Does student mental health really matter?

Lily’s doctor notes say that in order to maintain her mental health and get back on track, playing lacrosse is necessary. Despite all that, the board has refused to grant her a waiver, adding more stress and unwanted pressure on the already burdened Lily.

Speaking to the media over the bizarre refusal of the board, Lauren her mother was visibly displeased and said,

“It’s maddening.”

“It’s so frustrating because no one on the school board side of this will talk to us. They won’t listen to us. They’re ignoring us. We spoke at their board meeting three weeks ago. We have emailed them every day since and not one of them has responded.”

“It doesn’t make any sense. Why can’t we have a conversation about mental health?”

The family is in a conundrum because the date set for their appeal to be heard is after the lacrosse team tryouts. This forced them to take the matter to Loudoun County Board members for assistance.

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Her parents fail to understand why officials are refusing to understand the severity of the situation. Some even suspect foul play, with reports claiming the county’s athletic director doesn’t enjoy a great rapport with Independence High School. Bearing the brunt of this all is poor Lily, whose dream of playing lacrosse in the final months of high school, stand crushed.

Loudoun County Board denied talking about the case until the final decision is made. In a period where mental health and student wellbeing is top priority, the circumstances of the transfer and waiver pose serious questions on the functionality of schools.

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