12th March, 2008
What if…Homeschooling was Illegal
Ashpenaz blazed through town snatching young men from their homes. The policeman searched for the handsome, strong, and intelligent. When he found such youth, he carted them off to the king’s palace.
The King’s Answer by Briton Riviere
One of my biggest fears is that my children will be taken away from me. It is completely irrational, but, nonetheless, it is a fear. Can this sneaking trepidation be overcome? It is so stealth an issue I haven’t given it much concentrated thought. The anxiety surfaces when a sheriff pulls up to our house, or the headlines falsely proclaim, “Homeschooling is unconstitutional.” Maybe standing face to face with this fear will put things into perspective.
What if homeschooling was illegal? Imaginary scenarios are difficult for me, especially this one. We have laws that protect the intrinsic rights of parents in the land of the free. My hope is they will not be encroached upon, but what if they are? Laws could have any number of restrictions, culminating in the removal of children from parents and placing them in government schools. Would that happen? It’s doubtful, but that did happen to a child named Daniel.
Daniel was one of the young men taken away from his home by Ashpenaz. The king wanted the brightest and best. King Nebuchadnezzar began their training by giving them a superior Babylonian education. Completely surrounded by the culture, Daniel still refused to worship Nebuchadnezzar. Gazing at the rich table set before him,
Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself…Daniel 1:8
Daniel resolved. He determined in his heart to remain a Jew. Daniel followed the king’s orders until they went against his conscious. Then he chose lions’ mouths to preserve his most precious possession; his faith in God.
A wise preacher told me,
You have to choose which hill you will die on.
I pass many hills not worth climbing. For the sake of my children, I will traverse any mountain. I’m just not sure public education resides on a mountain. Public schools do not force children to worship the state. If the law said my children had to attend public school, I would appeal repeatedly. I would try escaping. But in the end, we all have to trust in something greater than our ability. Even if our children receive an education founded on biblical principles, the choice to embrace it is up to them.
Posted at 11:21 pm | Comments (15)
11th March, 2008
Good News from California
Numerous headlines about the California judge who ruled against homeschooling flood the internet. Thankfully, there is good news. (pdf)
Freedom from Fear by Norman Rockwell
Released March 11, 2008
SACRAMENTO – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell announced today that the California Department of Education has completed a legal review of the February 28 California Court of Appeal ruling regarding home schooling. O’Connell issued the following statement:
‘I have reviewed this case, and I want to assure parents that chose to home school that California Department of Education policy will not change in any way as a result of this ruling. Parents still have the right to home school in our state.
‘Every child in our state has a legal right to get an education, and I want every child to get an education that will prepare them for success in college and the world of work in the challenging global economy.
‘As the head of California’s public school system, I hope that every parent would want to send their children to public school. However, traditional public schools may not be the best fit for every student. Within the public school system there are a range of options available. Students can take independent study classes, attend a charter school, or participate in non-classroom-based programs. But some parents choose to send their children to private schools or to home school, and I respect that right.
‘I admire the dedication of parents who commit to oversee their children’s education through home schooling. But, no matter what educational program a student participates in, it is critical that the program prepares them for future success in the global economy. I urge any parent who is considering or involved in home schooling their children to take advantage of resources and support available through their county or district offices of education.’
Liberty triumphs as parental rights are upheld!
What if it didn’t work out this way? What if our biggest fears came true? Mandi asked me what would I do if homeschooling was illegal? I’ll address that question tomorrow.
Via Principled Discovery, via Just Enough, Nothing More
Posted at 10:36 pm | Comments (3)
5th March, 2008
Questioning the Law
Today, after hunting and pecking for candidates, the voting machine popped up its final questions. One of them still rattles around my brain. I understand the implications of this touchy subject, but the question seems odd.
Should federal, state and local officials should be required to enforce U.S. immigration laws in order to secure our borders?
I’m thankful some archaic laws of culture and custom need not be obeyed, but I’m wondering about principles.
- If a law isn’t enforced, is it really law?
- If existing laws are not obeyed, should new ones be written?
- If laws cannot be administered, are too many already in existence?
Without consequences, rules become nothing more than good advice.
Posted at 12:14 am | Comments (14)
3rd March, 2008
Eternal Vigilance Required
While skimming homeschool news, two assaults on liberty distressed me.
The Second Appellate Court judges held Mrs. Long unfit to teach her children at home because she lacks a state credential.
An important discussion of the definition of religious exemption followed.
Parents, teachers and local school officials know more about the individual needs of our state’s students than the Nebraska legislature or officials in Washington.
The sword civil government carries has a purpose. It is to protect life and preserve safety, not slash parental rights. Children do not belong to the government. The state may rescue if a life is in danger. However, prosecuting a family so their children develop emotionally and interact with others does not fit that criteria. (reason cited by attorney in CA case)
Liberty is written in our law. We don’t have to fire cannons to keep it, but freedom does have a price. Liberty needs our faithful prayers; legislators need our constant voice.
Posted at 12:27 am | Comments (9)
13th January, 2008
Who to Vote For
In the days when election sermons were commonplace, Samuel Willard encouraged his Puritan flock with a message entitled, “The Character of a Good Ruler.” Three hundred years later, these qualities are still relevant. A good leader:
- Is truthful
- Knows what is just and unjust
- Respects the cause rather than persons
- Is not given to bribes or flattery
- Prefers the public benefit above private and separate interests
- Rules in the fear of God
- Is a student of the law of God
- Is governed by a good conscience
- Obeys the law
- Promotes piety and honesty in all men
Can these characteristics be found in our candidates today? Are they in us?
Sermon excerpt in The Christian History of the Constitution
Posted at 11:49 pm | Comments (18)
20th December, 2007
Unity in Diversity
Is unity in diversity possible? Can the schism between secular and religious home educators ever be reconciled? Perhaps not, but a new blog, Unity-N-Diversity, began with the purpose to “educate, inspire, and facilitate healing.” Even though I do not agree with every post and comment, I cling to the idea that unity can exist, in fact, does exist.
Getting everyone to agree about everything is impossible. As Unity-N-Diversity points out, the founding fathers of America faced that, too. Not everyone wanted the Declaration of Independence signed or the Revolutionary War fought.
The Pilgrims dealt with a similar crisis. After the long voyage across the Atlantic their ship landed outside the king’s jurisdiction. Some aboard the Mayflower jumped at the chance to be free from government. Others knew that without any law their lives and property were in danger. The Mayflower Compact formed “a Civil Body Politic, for better ordering and preservation…for the general good of the Colony, unto which we promise all due submission and obedience.”
Do we need such an agreement as homeschoolers? In America, the Constitution protects our rights. We educate our children according to conviction, but what if our freedom to do so is endangered? I believe, no matter our differing personal beliefs about discipline, creationism, or government, home educators will defend one another’s liberty. Our common ground is love. We want freedom to teach our children and that is worth fighting for.
Posted at 11:49 am | Comments (18)
13th December, 2007
Another Christmas Card to Send
My son ran in the house telling me the sheriff was here. My heart skipped a beat. Was someone here to question my children’s education? After lunch, my children frequently play outside for an hour or two. Did a neighbor alert the authorities? I know that home schooling is perfectly legal, but stories of court battles gripped my mind.
To my relief, it was the animal control officer trying to find the home of a puppy. We discussed the new county leash law and pointed her in the right direction. As soon as she left, I ushered the children into the house.
This experience reminded me to be thankful for freedom to teach my children. I need to stop begrudging the burden of home school and thank God for the privilege. Others are not so fortunate.
In Germany it is illegal to home school. Dana of Principled Discovery informs,
Families who choose to pursue this method of education face court, fines, potential imprisonment and possible loss of custody of their children. Many flee to neighboring countries, but some have also chosen to stay in a fight to allow educational choice for Germany. The Neubronners is one such family. To assist them in their fight, a postcard action is being organized in the hopes of helping their case gain more publicity and foster positive discussion of homeschooling in Germany, as well as hopefully encourage officials in the case to reconsider their stance.
Will you please consider adding one more Christmas card to your list? The home educators in Germany ask that cards requesting freedom be sent to:
Senatorin für Bildung und Wissenschaft
Rembertiring 8-12
28195 Bremen
Germany
If you would like a sample of what to write, please use this link or the button above. Your simple act of sending greetings to government officials in Germany may help future generations. Let’s remember to thank God for our liberty and pray for those who are fighting for theirs.
Posted at 10:02 pm | Comments (7)
