NEW YORK - The Department of Education says it had no choice but to increase fees for extended use of its athletic fields after school hours.

It was the subject of a protest Tuesday which was organized by parents, students and staff at Success Academy charter schools.

The founder of Success Academy says the move is hostile, at a time when the virus has hit neighborhoods like Harlem hard.

Student athletes said sports are an essential part of their lives.

"I think sometimes we forget that we're people too, who are affected by the decisions they make off the field. I wish that they would make one decision that lets us go back to normal, and soccer is my normal,” said one student.

The Department of Education says it is working with Success Academy for a solution.