Over four and a half years, HSPRD client Morgan Urso has championed mental health support for youth in sports.
In a landmark discrimination case, the Illinois Supreme Court has now held, for the first time, that sports teams cannot discriminate against their players under Illinois law.
In the fall of 2019, Morgan Urso was kicked out of her club hockey team, Team Illinois, when she disclosed to her coach Larry Pedrie that she had anxiety and depression. Even though her parents and her doctors wanted her to keep playing hockey, the team sent her away until she was back to “the positive, happy, smiling kid that we all know she is.”
For the last four years, Team Illinois and the governing body of youth hockey, the Amateur Hockey Association of Illinois (AHAI) have fought her claims. They argued that youth sports are above the law, and free to discriminate against youth because they are somehow exempt from the Illinois Human Rights Act.
No more. Today, March 8th, 2024, the Illinois Supreme Court decisively ruled in favor of Morgan Urso. The court delivered a landmark verdict that firmly establishes equality and inclusivity in youth sports.
“Mental health is so important to athletes and youth everywhere,” remarked Morgan Urso. “The court saw that kids should not be removed from sports teams because they have depression or anxiety.” Morgan continued “Players need support from their coaches during tough times. They should not be singled out and sent away.”
Team Illinois argued that it did not have to follow the Illinois Human Rights Act because they did not own the ice arena where the team practices and Morgan was only barred from part of the facility. The Court rejected that argument. The Court explained that “the Act fails to distinguish between the parts of a public accommodation covered by the Act and those that are not. It neither specifies that only members of the general public can file an antidiscrimination claim, nor does it confine a claim to the areas of the facility accessible to the public at large.”
Morgan’s attorney, Charlie Wysong, an HSPRD shareholder, applauded the Court’s decision. “The Court recognized that sports teams and coaches are not above the law.” “In Illinois, the law does not tolerate discrimination in any public place, including at an ice rink, sports facility, or on the practice field.”
“The Court recognized that sports teams and coaches are not above the law.” “In Illinois, the law does not tolerate discrimination in any public place, including at an ice rink, sports facility, or on the practice field.”
Charlie Wysong, Morgan’s Attorney
Out of this terrible experience, Morgan has been a fierce advocate for mental health awareness. She has received support from #SameHere founder Eric Kussin and former NHL player Rob Schremp, advocates for the #SameHere Global Mental Health Movement. She has also shared her story on the Our Turn To Talk podcast and was featured in a documentary film from the same group.
Morgan’s mother, Kelly Urso responded, “Year after year we have been telling Team Illinois and AHAI that what happened to Morgan was illegal discrimination. The Illinois Supreme Court agreed. I hope Team Illinois and all the other sports teams in Illinois will finally listen.”
Today’s ruling by the Illinois Supreme Court sends a clear message: discrimination has no place in our society, especially not in our youth sports programs. By upholding the full and equal enjoyment of facilities for all athletes, regardless of disability, the Court reaffirms the importance of inclusivity and fairness.
The case is M.U., a Minor, By and Through Her Parents Kelly U. and Nick U. v. TEAM ILLINOIS HOCKEY CLUB, INC., et al., 2024 IL 128935 (March 8, 2024)
For more information, contact attorney Charlie Wysong at cwysong@hsplegal.com.
