Attorney General Launches Investigation Into MSHSAA Policy

Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has opened an investigation into the Missouri State High School Activities Association following concerns raised by State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick.

A whistleblower reported being told they could not apply for an at-large board position because they are white and male under a policy requiring those seats to represent an under-represented gender or ethnicity. Fitzpatrick alerted the attorney general, calling the alleged policy discriminatory and noting that MSHSAA receives substantial public funding. He said the individual was barred from applying based on race and gender and that Missouri students deserve the most qualified people serving on their behalf.

MSHSAA responded with a public statement, noting it is a nonprofit made up of more than 700 member schools and that the at-large positions were created more than 20 years ago to broaden representation. The organization says the provision adapts to the board’s makeup, expands access, and has been transparent on its website for decades.

MSHSAA maintains it does not discriminate and believes the policy is lawful and consistent with state and federal standards.