Franklin Family Fights for Inclusivity as High School Football Season Approaches

In Franklin, as high school football season is about to start, one family is faced with a challenging situation. Lindsey Gerszewski is concerned that her 14-year-old son, Jack, may not get the chance to join the Franklin High School football team due to his disabilities. Jack has autism and is supported by an Individualized Education Program, or IEP. Lindsey explains that, “due to his disabilities and IEP, he would not be able to be a part of the high school program.”

Sports play a vital role in Jack’s life, and his mom shares that football is incredible for him. “This is a huge thing for Jack. It means a lot to Jack. And it’s good for Jack,” she said. According to the Department of Public Instruction, an IEP is a plan developed to support students with disabilities. Lindsey noted, “to see all the struggles and know all the struggles Jack has had in life, sports has become his outlet for everything.”

Jack joined the Gerszewski family three years ago and has shown great talent in sports. He displayed promise while playing youth football in middle school. Recently, he registered for high school football, got his physical, and even attended a football camp. However, the family was told that due to his IEP, he couldn’t get the necessary support from the school for the football team.

Lindsey expressed her heartbreak watching Jack miss out. “To see him just crushed when all of his friends are going to football practice or they’re texting him where are you? Or the coach is calling and asking where Jack is,” she lamented. One of Jack’s coaches even wrote a supporting letter after meeting him at the camp.

In response to the situation, a spokesperson for the Franklin School District issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to student safety and confidentiality. They noted that inclusivity is essential and that they follow established policies and procedures for special education. However, Lindsey remains firm, stating, “They know what’s right and what’s wrong, and they need to do the right thing and let him play.”

Adding to this, local advocate Julie Kowalske highlighted the importance of public schools being inclusive, stating, “They are federally mandated.” She has also reached out to the Franklin School Board, hoping they take the matter seriously.

As the season approaches, Lindsey is determined to reverse the district’s decision so that Jack can play in the first football game. The fight for inclusivity continues, with hopes that Jack will soon wear his football uniform alongside his peers.