Mother Says Daughter, Who Is Legally Blind, Was Kicked Off Middle School Cross-Country Team
MIDDLETOWN, N.J. (CBSNewYork) - A central New Jersey mother of a seventh-grader who is legally blind says her daughter has been kicked off her cross-country team and the reason why makes no sense.
Jillian Milton had been running cross-country since she started middle school in Middletown last year. Jillian's mother, Magaly Milton, said gym class was her main concern -- particularly flying balls during class activities.
"We just decided to ask for an excusal from gym," Magaly told WCBS 880's Alex Silverman.
Mother Says Daughter, Who Is Legally Blind, Was Kicked Off Middle School Cross-Country Team
Jillian's mother said the school told her its policy is that students who don't participate in gym class cannot participate in after-school sports.
Magaly said her daughter was confused and upset when she heard the news.
"She was really sad. She said, 'Mom, what can we do?'" she said. "It really took away from her a great social outlet."
Superintendent Bill George said in a statement that he can't discuss the specific case, but that the school typically follows the family doctor's guidance.
"In a case where there is conflicting medical documentation submitted by the parent or guardian, we ask for further clarification from the family physician," the statement reads. "We then follow that physician's final medical recommendation regarding the student's ability to participate in physical activities, both in gym class and in school athletics."
Magaly said: "This is not at all what the doctor recommended. That's not what the doctor's note said."
Jillian's mother said she just hopes her daughter can get back on the team before the season is over.
"She just wants to be a normal kid that participates in school life just like everybody else," she said.
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