Governor Ivey and Speaker Ledbetter Seek Injunction Against AHSAA Over CHOOSE Act Eligibility Ruling

September 4, 2025 - MONTGOMERY, AL. - In a dramatic escalation of tensions between state leadership and the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA), Governor Kay Ivey and House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R–Rainsville) have jointly filed for an injunction to block an AHSAA rule that sidelines student-athletes participating in the state's new school choice program.

The Controversy: CHOOSE Act vs. AHSAA Transfer Rule

At the heart of the dispute is the Creating Hope and Opportunity for Our Students' Education Act (CHOOSE Act), a landmark school choice law passed in 2024. The AHSAA recently ruled that any student transferring schools under the CHOOSE Act must sit out of athletic competition for one year-a move that affects thousands of students statewide.

State leaders argue that this ruling directly contradicts the language of the CHOOSE Act, particularly lines 162–165 of Act 2024-21, which they say explicitly protect athletic eligibility for participating students.

"We wrote and passed the CHOOSE Act to give every child a true choice in their education, and that very much includes participation in athletics," said Governor Ivey. "I remain in strong opposition to the AHSAA's decision to sideline CHOOSE Act participants and am committed to seeing all Alabama students have a fair chance on the playing field.

Emergency Meeting, No Reversal

After extensive dialogue with lawmakers, the AHSAA Board of Directors convened an emergency meeting on Thursday, September 4 to reconsider its ruling. Despite being presented with what state officials described as "clear proof" of legal conflict, the board voted to uphold its policy.

Speaker Ledbetter expressed frustration with the board's decision and its lack of consultation with policymakers.

"The AHSAA issued this ruling without consulting a single policymaker or even attempting to gain clarity," Ledbetter said. "To take such drastic action just as football season begins tells me they are not concerned with the best interests of all student-athletes."

Legal Action and Legislative Implications

Governor Ivey and Speaker Ledbetter's lawsuit seeks immediate judicial intervention to restore eligibility for CHOOSE Act students. The case could have wide-ranging implications for how the AHSAA interprets state law and interacts with elected officials.

What's at Stake for Alabama Families

The CHOOSE Act was designed to expand educational options for families by allowing students to transfer to schools that better meet their needs. For many, athletics are a critical part of that experience-offering scholarships, structure, and community engagement.

Critics of the AHSAA ruling argue that penalizing students for exercising school choice undermines the very intent of the law and disproportionately affects low-income families seeking better opportunities.

Looking Ahead

As the legal battle unfolds, lawmakers are signaling broader scrutiny of the AHSAA's governance. The upcoming legislative session may include proposals to reform how the association sets policy and interfaces with state law.

For now, Alabama's student-athletes, parents, and schools are left in limbo-awaiting a court decision that could redefine the balance between educational freedom and athletic opportunity.