State Rep. Luke Meerman, of Coopersville, today called on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Department of Health and Human Services to amend their unilateral orders and allow winter contact sports to resume in Michigan schools, as was previously anticipated until the governor extended the pause last week.

Meerman said he has heard from many parents, coaches and students about their concerns regarding the ban on winter sports, spurring him to join the Let Them Play demonstration at the Capitol on Saturday.

“As a parent, I understand firsthand the frustrations and concerns that students, parents and coaches have with yet another unilateral order from the governor – this time affecting the well-being of our student-athletes, their mental health, and their futures,” said Meerman. “By denying students the chance to participate in sports, the governor is denying them self-confidence, a support group, and in many cases, the chance at a scholarship to help them attend college.”

Meerman also said the data directly contradicts the notion that contact sports spread the COVID-19 virus.

Winter sports were previously scheduled to start Monday, Feb. 1, before the governor’s extended order banning contact sports until Feb. 21.