CHICAGO (April 12, 2006) - Congressman Bobby L. Rush came out in support today of the anti-discrimination lawsuit filed by the parents, students and two of the south suburban school boards that would reverse the breakup of the South Inter-Conference Association (SICA). 

 “Looking at this case, racial segregation appears to be the motivating factor which is sad testament of the myopic vision of the leadership involved in moving forward with breaking up the south suburban high school athletic league.  To shelter a child from the real world of diverse opinions, backgrounds and beliefs does little to advance our society. While many people may look at this as a minor issue of just sports, it will undoubtedly have a trickling down effect on the children involved and their impacted communities.”

 “Our children are in the skill building phase, and I’m not speaking just athletically, but we are doing them a disservice as critical skills such as character, respect for others and leadership will truly suffer as a result of the unsavory decision made by proponents of the SICA breakup.  Everything that our country’s greatest civil and equal rights heroes have fought for in terms of education, housing and inclusion are in a precarious state in the south suburbs with the recent news.

 Parents should be aware that their children with today’s technology have found ways and will continue to communicate with peers of diverse backgrounds around the world.  It’s a shame to limit this relationship to four walls, or in this case, down I-57. Although a lawsuit is something that neither side wants, I am confident that common ground can and should be found.”  

 “When we rewrite history, it should be to benefit of progress rather than a retreat to social and economic ills that hold possibilities captive.”