READING, Pa. – When the Reading School Board canceled fall extracurricular activities on Aug. 5, board members knew it would be an unpopular move.

At Wednesday night’s board meeting, a number of high school students and parents spoke during the public comment portion of the virtual meeting, saying that the action will adversely impact students.

Elijah Williams, a senior football player, said that there were aspects other than COVID-19 issues that were not considered.

“Our goals and aspirations will be affected tremendously by this decision,” Williams said. “Taking away sports doesn’t do anything but hinder our growth.

“The family in the football program has taught me how to be accountable for my actions. I fear that without the ability to play football, my younger brothers will miss out on the opportunity I had.”

David Philistin, a sophomore, said that it was understandable that the season was canceled because of COVID-19, but that it is unfair that other districts are moving forward with their athletic calendars.

“If it’s safe for some of us, then it is safe for all of us,” Philistin said. “We prepared for months and we would have had the best season ever. Often the only thing keeping athletes in classes is sports. The sports provide purpose and encourages students.

“I implore you, let us have this season.”

Marielis Gonzalez, a senior volleyball player, said that the action to take away sports was unfair to the Reading School District.

“It hurts me 10 times more than anything about this whole thing (pandemic),” she said. “It’s hurting all of us and hurting our future careers.”

Parent Michele Williams told the board the removal of sports will be dangerous to students’ livelihoods and to the things that they will try to accomplish in life.

“The inner-city kids are always getting slighted,” Williams said. “This is not showing them anything good. I pray that you all change the decision and allow these young men to have a football season.”

Each of the board members said he or she appreciated the passion expressed by the students.

Board President Robin Costenbader-Jacobson said that it was a very hard decision.

“It was about safety first,” she said. “I don’t believe we will return to everything that we know as normal. Things may have changed in a permanent way. I am feeling your pain.”

Board member Ashley Jones advised students to adapt and work on the skills needed to get into college.

“Work on putting yourselves out there to be noticed,” Jones said. “You have social media skills mastered. Work on the things you are capable of doing and be the best version of yourselves during the pandemic.”

Board member Patricia Wright was the sole member to oppose the resolution to cancel extracurricular activities.

“I hear you and I feel you, and I am cheering for you loudly,” Wright said.

At the end of the meeting, Wright made the issue personal against Costenbader-Jacobson.

“You still talk about health and safety, but you are missing the word that comes before health,” Wright said. “That is mental health. You are not taking this as seriously as you should.”

Costenbader-Jacobson took umbrage with the comment.

“I hold a degree in psychology,” she said. “Don’t make accusations about me. A majority of the board voted and being part of the board means you part of the team, even though you did not get your own way.

“I will not be judged on what I believe or think. I am very concerned about mental health. It’s not fair for someone to pass judgment because of their own problems.”

Board member Noahleen Betts said that she was moved by the students’ passion for football and asked why the board canceled the entire season.

“Is there a way to come back and revisit this,” she asked.

Superintendent Khalid Mumin reminded Betts that the issue does not affect just football but all extracurricular activities.

“We are open to the discussion and will bring updates to the board,” Mumin said. “We look at COVID-19 numbers every day and they are going up.”

Board member Becky Ellis said that children and students have been adversely and permanently affected by COVID-19.

 “I stand by the decision we made as a board to maintain safety.”