Athletics Coming To Maspeth, Forest Hills Campuses
Students at Queens Metropolitan and Maspeth high schools will have the opportunity to participate in Public School Athletic League (PSAL) organized boys’ sports this winter, City Council Member Elizabeth Crowley announced on Monday, Oct. 15.
Last year, Crowley called on the city Department of Education (DOE) and the PSAL to amend their policies and approve boys sports teams. Following a Title IX complaint, the PSAL halted the creation of boys teams and approved hundreds of new girls teams.
However, in an op-ed published by the Times Newsweekly last year, Crowley argued that this policy puts an unfair burden on new schools without established sports programs.
According to Crowley, the PSAL listened to these complaints and has approved boys junior varsity basketball and wrestling at Maspeth High School and boys varsity basketball at Queens Metropolitan High School in Forest Hills.
“Participating in high school athletics help build social skills, confidence, and it often opens doors for new opportunities,” she said. “I want to thank the school administrators and Parent Teacher Associations for continuing this fight to bring organized sports to our local schools, and we will continue fighting until they get the programs they deserve.”
Crowley also noted that she hoped more boys and girls sports teams will be approved over the next few months to give the entire student body more diversity in sports.
