Arizona Teen Barred From Boys Basketball Team Due To Birth Certificate Error

Eighth-grader Laker Jackson was removed from Eastmark High School boys basketball tryouts because his original birth certificate incorrectly lists him as female due to a hospital clerical error. His mother Becky Jackson said school officials told her “Did you know this says female?” when she submitted the document. The Queen Creek Unified School District athletic director physically removed Laker from tryouts in front of teammates and coaches. District officials say he must play on coed or girls teams instead. “Our schools rely on a student’s original birth certificate at birth to determine athletic eligibility,” the district stated. Parents provided a corrected birth certificate and doctor’s note, but officials also want chromosome testing. The district said it remains “open and committed to ongoing dialogue” while maintaining policies for “fairness, integrity, and equal opportunity” in athletics. (Story URL)