Aliquippa superintendent Dr. Phillip Woods has stepped down from the WPIAL Diversity and Inclusion Council, citing a lack of support as the district tries to prevent the league from forcing the football team to move up to Class 5A.
Based on enrollment, Aliquippa is a Class 1A school. The Quips volunteered to play up to Class 3A. Last year, a competitive balance rule forced the team to play in Class 4A, where they won a PIAA title in December.
The competitive balance rule is based on enrollment, the number of transfers and success.
Now, Woods said the school received a letter from the PIAA saying the team will be moved to Class 5A ahead of next season. They are appealing that decision.
"I didn't feel that the WPIAL or the Diversity Committee was cooperating, providing any assistance, or giving me support in how to proceed with the appeal," Wood said.
In a letter to WPIAL executive director Amy Schueneman and the Diversity and Inclusion Council Thursday, Woods called the committee "a farce," and expressed concern the committee was not included while the league investigated claims of targeting and racism during a football game between Steel Valley and South Side Beaver.
"I am disappointed that it has come to this point as I joined the committee under the false pretense that myself and other members would have the ability to address issues of inequity from the perspective of students of color," Woods wrote. "I believe this committee was created instead to create the perception that the WPIAL cares about such issues. I was clearly misled."
Schueneman told News Radio KDKA she respects Woods' decision to step down, but feels his thoughts on the committee are inaccurate.
"We believe the Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council has been a valuable asset to the league with the students and student-athletes," she said. "In just over a year since its inception, we've made measurable strides in raising awareness and education in the areas of diversity and inclusion."
A number of local and state leaders have pushed back against the PIAA's decision to move Aliquippa football to Class 5A.
The latest is U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb (D-PA), who sent a letter to the PIAA Wednesday asking them to reconsider.
Every year, #PA17's Aliquippa football plays & wins against much bigger schools, but now they're being forced to move up to 5A. Enough is enough. I sent a letter to the PIAA urging them to reconsider. #LetsGoQuips https://t.co/LBWJOWZMfo pic.twitter.com/W0JP8sOru1
— Conor Lamb (@RepConorLamb) January 7, 2022
"If their appeal is not granted, the Quips will be playing against teams with, in some cases, double the roster of their own," he wrote. "That in itself presents serious safety concerns."
Safety concerns have been one of the main issues cited by those who disagree with the PIAA's decision, including Woods.
"We don't have a stadium right now," he said. "We don't have adequate athletic facilities to even train. We don't have athletic facilities or a trainer or equipment to rehab. To expect us to come out and perform at a high level with inadequate facilities compared to a 5A team who has 500 percent more our budget. How is there a competitive balance there?"
Schueneman maintained a final decision has not been made as Aliquippa appeals. She said there are several steps to take before the PIAA's decision is set in stone.
"Our representatives to the PIAA board will follow the appropriate process in showing their support and empathizing the need for that fair and impartial way of looking at a situation during that hearing process," she said. "This may not be the approach that's taken by all, but it is certainly not showing that we're not supportive. We are supportive, and we'll do it in a fashion that we feel is appropriate."
