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Homeschool rights versus divorce
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There was a blog post today that took issue with an article written by a fellow Examiner. It is entitled Homeschool mom warns of fragile homeschool and parental rights in America.
The concern was that every time a homeschool case hits the courts, homeschoolers become defensive and worry that a win against a homeschooling mom will mean that ALL homeschoolers are doomed.
This case, like many recent cases, was born out of a divorce. Mom and Dad seem to be in agreement on homeschooling until the marriage has issues, then dad (in most cases) demands the kids go back to school. The case is usually decided as part of the divorce proceedings, and when parents disagree on homeschooling, the child is usually sent to school.
There's a reason that the HSLDA does not get involved in homeschooling cases fueled by a marital dispute. It is because this is a difficult war to wage. When dealing with a marriage gone wrong, a non-teaching parent will want to end homeschooling to break down the emotional bond between the teaching parent and the children. They know all of the arguments both for and against homeschooling and will know what to say to make sure that homeschooling ends.
While there is a possibility that such a travesty could happen in the life of any homeschooler, using language like "our rights to homeschool are fragile" to rile other homeschoolers to arms is a bit of overkill. Sure, our rights to homeschool are fragile when challenged in divorce court, and we should certainly care, and even advocate, but we should never fear because when we do, we cease to reason and think clearly.
The real battle for homeschooling rights is in continuing to educate the general public about homeschooling so that judges will not be so quick to decide in the favor of the the spiteful ex-spouse. This battle should be fought continually and consistently and not wait for such a case to go to court for people to get emotional over it.
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