Is this against the law or just unethical?

Question

A few weeks back, there was a high school in my city who forfeited their baseball championship because it was found out that the coach had gone and recruited kids from Mexico to play for their team. The kids were not citizens, and they were recruited specifically to play baseball, but the coaches had labeled them "foreign exchange" students. SO, the poop hit the fan, the students were sent back to Mexico, fines were paid, coaches suspended, and a championship lost.
I just got hired on to teach high school English at a private school here. I found out from a colleague that the coach at this school has done the SAME thing. Went to Mexico, recruited a boy, and labeled him "foreign exchange" student, though he isn't.
Anyway, I am really uncomfortable with the whole thing.
So, is it against the law to recruit high school kids from other countries just to play sports? Or is it just unethical? Or both?
And, if illegal, should I do or say something? Or just turn a blind eye?

The colleague who told me about it has been a friend for many years. She told me as a friend, thinking it humorous, and I told her how illegal I thought it was. Technically, I am not even supposed to know about this. AND, if I do know, I'm "supposed" to think it's all legit.
So, here's my next question... if I was to "blow a whistle," to whom would I report it? AND would there be any way to do that anonymously, as I REALLY need and want this teaching position. Thanks for all your helpful answers!

*sexy law chick: Yes, the other school where this happened was a public school.
There are no other exchange students... and we are not "exchanging" any of ours to Mexico. Also, the boy is taking the same courseload, although there is a language barrier. Where my class is concerned, no slack. If he doesn't make the grade, he doesn't play. And, we are in the state of Texas, south central Texas.

Answer 1

The answer is kind of mixed. There is no Texas law on this, which is why the high school coach was not charged with a crime. It is a violation of UIL rules, if they are competing in that league or one where the UIL says what is allowed. For those who are not from Texas, the UIL is the sanctioning body for most interscholastic competitions in the schools below college level here.

Depending on the visa, it may be a federal immigration violation.

Answer 2

wow. that's deep. i know for a fact they do this at a college level...but high school?? so sad. such exploitation!

well, there is a fine line between what's illegal and what's unethical and what's both. unethical...yes! illegal...that depends on the circumstances and the law of your state. are the kids actually enrolled? or are they just implants?? are they taking the same class load as every other student? are there any other 'foreign exchange" students besides the mexican baseball players? the fact that it is a private school negates the need to evaluate where they live, etc. but it's a matter of cirucumstance. the fact that it is a private school, and not a public school, is what makes it quite interesting. was the first school you discussed a private school, as well? or public? you get into many more problems with public schools. private schools are at liberty to operate under broader guidelines than public schools b/c they are self funded.

so, an honest answer is...i dont know :) it all depends. don't go blowing any whistle until you do some research! i would hate for you to be wrong and lose your job :-/ but yes, either way it is unethical. not sure if it's illegal for a private school.

Answer 3

Can you keep a secret? I think that if you mention anything about the coach, you will be so hated in the school that no other teacher will ever want to talk to you. I know I would want to even look your way. The answer is this: If you want to have to move and be known as the teacher who tells on everyone, then do it. What was done is illegal and I am sure that it will come up somehow if God wants for it to happen. Time tells the truth. Don't be the one who makes that happen.

Answer 4

There was a show about that on Law and Order SVU once. I'm not sure that it's illegal, but if it could be proven he was not brought here to be an exchange student, only to play ball, then it would be illegal. I can't stand the fact that people exploit these children like this. You know as well as I do that they are probably sending money or paid money to his parents to allow him to come to the USA. If I were you I would find out who to call and turn them in. Shame on you if you don't. Because, once the school is finished exploiting his talent, back to Mexico he goes.

Answer 5

It is both unethical and illegal, but sadly its very common in athletics. This happens all the time in professional leagues and even the NCAA, but I have never heard of it happening at the High School Level. Chances are, the coach at your school will be caught. It isn't hard to spot an "exchange student" who rarely, if ever attends class but never misses baseball practice.

Answer 6

Well, since they weren't properly documented foreign exchange students that makes them illegal aliens. Pretty cut and dried there!

Now, what are you going to do? Well, you've got a choice. You can be part of the problem, or part of the solution. And since you feel uneasy about it, your gut is telling you what you must do! Right? OK, get moving!

Now, if they are brought in properly as true foreign exchange students, that's another matter entirely. Alll quite legal, and nothing unethical about it either.

Answer 7

If the student was brought in on a J visa (eduction & training), maybe it was above board. It'd then be up to the INS. The anecdote does NOT tell us how the student came into the country (and we're it's assumed that the country in question is the USA, although that's never mentioned either).

It may turn out to just be underhanded.

Answer 8

I don't believe it's unlawful, but in all likelihood, it goes beyond unethical. What matters are the rules of whichever interscholastic athletic league your school belongs to. You may be able to find the rules online, and determine if your school is out of compliance without asking awkward questions.

If you're in the same league as the school that recently had all the trouble you described, the answer is almost certainly yes, it is unethical. The school would in this case be in violation of the contract it signed with the league.

Answer 9

it is both illegal and unethical. Should you say something??? Well
it doesn't seem to be to big an issue I mean the students aren't forced labor or nothing. I quess what you should do depends on how involved are you willing to get. Is it worth loosing your job over? You never know. You could be opening up a can of worms. You have to count the cost and see if it is really worth pursuing.
I quess the question you should be asking is how will pursuing this issue benifit me,and how will it hurt me?

Answer 10

Sports in American schools has hit an all time low. The pressure is coming from parents,coaches and the school systems.....everywhere. I don't think it is illegal, nor should it be, and I wouldn't dare try to solve it at your school. I am older and I finally realize that God doesn't need a junior holy spirit....I am big on JUSTICE. My brother has finally taught me the best....."just clean up your side of the fence and don't worry about the other guy's side of the fence.....God is always in control">