On Tuesday, the South Dakota High School Activities Association voted unanimously to allow boys to participate with girls on competitive dance teams in the state.
The topic was brought to the surface last month when a lawsuit was filed by Dakota Valley freshman Freddie Linden against the High School Activities Association. Because of activity rules from the SDHSAA, Linden, and all boys, were not allowed to participate on sanctioned dance teams in the state.
South Dakota High School Activities Association Executive Director Dan Swartos released a statement after the Board of Directors approved the recent policy change.
“Today’s action by the SDHSAA Board of Directors is a fair compromise in that it allows participation for next school year, while also directing action through the established process for rule changes that already exists. This topic will now follow that process and proceed through the Competitive Dance advisory committee, the SDHSAA member school Athletic Directors, and, ultimately, the SDHSAA Board of Directors.”
The South Dakota High School Activities Association is also recommending that the Dance Advisory committee examine the new policy change during next years season, so as to see if any additional changes will be needed.
