District 228 Community Starts Petition To Bring Sports Back

OAK FOREST, IL — Bremen High School District 228 will be going remote amid the COVID-19 pandemic, like many other school districts across the nation. With remote instruction in place until at least the end of the first quarter on Oct. 18, the district has suspended athletic programs until further notice. This decision has sparked protest among parents and students.

Parents also told Patch a protest is also scheduled at 3 p.m. Friday at Bremen High School.

A Change.org petition addressed to Superintendent Dr. Bill Kendall titled "Bring Back Sports to Bremen High School District 228" calls for the district to reverse the decision. The petition was posted by "Concerned parents and student athletes of District 228."

"A couple of weeks turned into a month, then finally the cancellation of their season before many even began," stated in the petition. "Students held out hope over the summer that their fall sports would start with the beginning of a new school year. During the spring and over the summer students trained and prepared on their own in hopes they would return to play."

The petition goes on to state that the removal of these programs will have an effect on students mental health. "Inactivity, isolation, distance from the academic and athletic community, limited access to athletic coaches, and lack of social support have been shown to cause emotional distress and physiological disorders in student athletes," it says.

The petition urges Kendall to reinstate sports back into the school district.

"Dr. Bill Kendall, we have confidence in you to make decisions that not only take into consideration the health effects of the current situation facing our student athletes, but the physical, mental, and emotional toll during this adversity," it says. "Dr. Bill Kendall, we ask that you reinstate sports for the student athletes of Bremen High School District 228."

The superintendent wrote a statement on the controversial decision on Aug. 20, stating the decision is not final.

"Yesterday, I announced that our district would be suspending our limited athletic programs
until further notice. I recognize that there seems to be some confusion and frustration around
what this means for our district and fall sports," Kendall said in a public statement. "I want to emphasize that while fall sports are currently suspended in our district, that this decision is not final and that we are still working diligently to come up with a solution and opportunity for sports to take place in some capacity."

The superintendent continued to write that he has met with athletic directors and together they are exploding options to make sure the school district follows the IDPH and IHSA safety regulations in regard to sports.

"I want you to know that I understand the appreciation our community has for high school
sports. I know our students actively look forward to their seasons," he said in the statement. "It is my sincere hope that we can make fall sports a possibility, but at this time, I would appreciate your continued patience and support as we work to come up with a safe and effective solution."