Pittsburgh Schools Close for NFL Draft, Raising Concerns

Duquesne law professor criticizes city's decision to shift students to remote learning during the 3-day event.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 4:20am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting featuring overlapping planes of navy, green, and orange, conceptually representing the fragmented priorities and mixed messages surrounding the Pittsburgh school district's decision to close during the NFL draft.The Pittsburgh school district's decision to close schools during the NFL draft raises concerns about the message it sends to students about responsibility.Today in Pittsburgh

The city of Pittsburgh is hosting the NFL draft in the coming weeks, and the local school district has decided to close its buildings for three days during the festivities, shifting students to remote learning. While the city cites logistical challenges due to the expected 700,000 visitors, a Duquesne law professor argues this teaches kids the wrong lesson about responsibility.

Why it matters

The decision to close schools during a major event has raised concerns that it sends the wrong message to students about the importance of showing up and fulfilling obligations, even when circumstances are inconvenient.

The details

The Pittsburgh school district cited the influx of roughly 700,000 visitors expected for the NFL draft as the reason for closing its 54 schools, even though only one of those schools is actually near the draft location. This has left many parents scrambling to find child care during the 3-day closure.

  • The NFL draft is scheduled to take place in Pittsburgh in the coming weeks.
  • The Pittsburgh school district has decided to close its 54 schools for 3 days during the draft.

The players

Joseph Sabino Mistick

A Duquesne law professor who wrote an op-ed criticizing the Pittsburgh school district's decision to close schools during the NFL draft.

Pittsburgh School District

The local school system that has decided to close its 54 schools for 3 days during the upcoming NFL draft in the city.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Pittsburgh is teaching kids the wrong lesson about responsibility.”

— Joseph Sabino Mistick, Duquesne Law Professor

The takeaway

The decision by the Pittsburgh school district to close schools during the NFL draft raises concerns that it sends the wrong message to students about the importance of fulfilling obligations, even when circumstances are inconvenient.