New Rule Change in Texas
Impact on Foreign Exchange Students
Starting next school year, foreign exchange students may no longer be allowed to participate in varsity athletics in Texas. The University Interscholastic League’s legislative council recently approved this rule change, which still needs the approval of state Education Commissioner Mike Morath. This change would not affect foreign exchange students who want to participate in sub-varsity athletics or other activities the UIL oversees, such as music and academics.
Reasons Behind the Rule Change
The UIL’s legislative council, comprised of 32 public school administrators, is its rule-making body. Several members of the council expressed concern about schools getting a possible competitive advantage when foreign exchange students receive a waiver to play at the varsity level. Aaron Hood, superintendent of Robert Lee ISD, said, "Our Texas kids are not allowed to go to a neighboring town and play at the varsity level, but foreign exchange students are allowed to get on a plane, come to our state, and play immediately, taking the place of a community kid who has worked hard to get that position on an athletic team."
Concerns About Fairness
Hood also mentioned that some foreign exchange students use social media to promote themselves to Texas coaches and schools, which he believes is unfair to Texas kids. Greg Poole, superintendent of Barbers Hill ISD, agreed with Hood and hopes the rule change will result in similar changes for schools with open enrollment policies. Poole said, "You can tell teams that have a higher percentage of foreign exchange students, and you can also tell teams that have a higher percentage of open enrollment athletes."
Reactions to the Rule Change
Traci Zavala, a district representative for International Cultural Exchange Services, understands the reasoning behind the new rule change. However, as a host parent to foreign exchange students for over 10 years, she is disappointed. Zavala said, "Unfortunately, those few that do those things mess it up for everyone else." She believes that foreign exchange students will miss out on the experience of playing in front of a varsity sport crowd and earning letterman jackets.
Personal Stories
Ondra Michal, a former exchange student from the Czech Republic, said playing varsity basketball at McCallum High School was one of the highlights of his time in the United States. Michal said, "It was super important to me because I didn’t know almost anybody coming over here. Going to the gym and seeing so many people there was a little scary at first, but then when I got to know the whole team, it was amazing." He doesn’t know if he would have wanted to participate in an exchange program if it meant he couldn’t play sports.
Conclusion
The new rule change in Texas may have a significant impact on foreign exchange students who want to participate in varsity athletics. While the rule change aims to promote fairness and prevent competitive advantages, it may also deprive foreign exchange students of valuable experiences and opportunities. As the rule change awaits approval, it remains to be seen how it will affect the lives of foreign exchange students in Texas.
