COLUMBUS, Ohio – A bill that cleared the Ohio House Wednesday will allow some students to opt out of gym class.
The measure, which was passed by an 82-9 vote, would let school boards decide which athletic club activities would excuse high school students from physical education requirements.
Current law gives districts and chartered, nonpublic schools the authority to excuse students who participate in interscholastic athletics, marching band, or cheerleading for at least two full seasons, or Junior ROTC for two full school years.
The new bill, which now goes to the Senate, would add participation in a school-sponsored athletic club to the list of waivers.
The bill’s sponsors say high school students participate in various kinds of activities that require a commitment to physical activity, yet they do not meet the current guidelines to exempt them from physical education requirements.