MSHSAA responds to AG’s accusations, says it does not discriminate
Ryan Shiner
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Missouri State High school Activities Association in a Wednesday press release says it does not discriminate.
The release comes after Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway and State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick said in Tuesday press release that it would investigate MSHSAA after claims of racial and sex discrimination. A person described as a whistleblower alleged in emails that they were denied a position on MSHSHAA’s board of directors because they are a white male.
An article in MSHSHAA’s constitution “does not serve as a blanket disqualification preventing administrators from running for or serving on the Board of Directors. Rather, the eligibility requirements are tied to specific seats, and by design they ensure balanced representation across both geographic regions and demographic groups.”
MSHSAA’s response on Wednesday says the provision was put in place more than 20 years ago.
“This provision adapts to the Board’s changing composition, ensuring that perspectives which may be missing at a given time can be included. The provision expands access rather than restricts it. All qualified individuals remain fully eligible to serve through the eight geographically elected seats that make up the majority of the Board. The at-large positions simply provide another avenue for service within a longstanding, member-driven governance structure,” the release says.