Lawmakers in Louisiana are raising concerns about the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) and demanding more transparency following recent actions that have impacted several local schools. George Washington Carver, Warren Easton, and Eleanor McMain were forced to cancel seasons due to infractions determined by the LHSAA. State Rep. Jason Hughes is calling for more regulation and balance in high school sports oversight, criticizing the LHSAA for being an insulated organization that operates independently. The LHSAA has faced criticism for imposing harsh penalties on schools like Warren Easton, McMain, and Carver, with claims of ineligible players leading to canceled or shortened seasons. Additionally, the LHSAA suspended Isidore Newman School head basketball coach Randy Livingston and vacated wins from the school, alleging improper recruitment practices. However, Livingston and Newman fought back, winning a preliminary injunction after the LHSAA admitted to not following its own rules regarding due process. Lawmakers are now questioning whether other schools received fair treatment and due process in LHSAA rulings, with concerns raised about potential disparities in how rules are applied to schools of different demographics. The LHSAA has declined to comment on ongoing litigation and has retained legal representation in the Livingston case. A trial is scheduled for November, and lawmakers like Rep. Hughes and Rep. Newell are exploring legislative options to increase transparency within the LHSAA.
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