Court upholds discrimination action against Michigan High School Athletic Ass'n

The Jewish Academy of Metropolitan Detroit sued the MHSAA, alleging discrimination by the pseudo-public agency in scheduling high school athletic events on the Jewish Sabbath and Jewish holidays.  It prevailed in the lower courts and an injunction was issued, limiting the MHSAA's power to schedule activities.  The MHSAA appealed, arguing that the Court had no jurisdictional power to intervene and protect the civil rights of Jewish athletes.  In a brief 3 page opinon, the Court of Appeals dismissed the MHSAA appeal, citing both the Michigan Constitution and the plain language of Michigan's Civil Rights Act, which give the courts subject matter jurisdiction over a denial of civil rights.  The Court required the MHSAA to pay the Academy's attorneys' fees and costs.