Homeschool Battle in North Carolina

Mar 17th, 2009 | By Jessica Parnell | Category: General Homeschool Posts, Lead Article

Don’t Assume it Can’t Happen to You!

Please visit this site to help in the battle for homeschool freedom!

The recent decision by a court in North Carolina requiring a mom to return her kids to public school despite the fact that the judge agrees that “Ms. Mills had done a good job [in homeschooling],” is not one to ignore.

Far too often we sit back in our comfortable homes and say, “Oh, there must be more to it than that,” or “It is wrapped up in a custody battle-it won’t happen to me.”

But that kind of thinking is exactly what allows those opposed to homeschooling, to conservative thinking, to parental rights, to the existence of absolutes to move their agenda forward.

Do not forget that any decision in any court in any state can be used for or against individuals at any time.

Understand, this is a Christian mom who is providing an outstanding education for her children, substantiated by the judge who  conceded that the children are “thriving” under Mills’ instruction.  These are children who scored at or above grade level on standardized testing.  This is a family who is involved in extra-curricular activities outside the home.

The judge is not questioning their academic success; instead, he stated that he believed it would be in the “best interests” of the three children, ages 12, 11 and 10, to be placed in public school in compliance with the wishes of the husband.  Why?  Because “it will do them a great benefit to be in the public schools, and they will challenge some of the ideas that you’ve taught them, and they could learn from that and make them stronger.”

He believes that the humanistic and socialist agenda so prevalent in today’s public schools (that are failing academically) is better for these children than the education they are receiving at home.  He believes that a public school education will make them more well-rounded!  Does he know anything about homeschoolers?

This is clearly a case where the judge does not agree with parental rights, with the freedoms this great country was established upon, nor with an alternative form of education.  How have we come to the place where we allow the courts to have so much power?

We are here because we are far too often silent.

If you think this could never happen to you, realize that this occurred the day after North Carolina established a home education week!  The day after its governor issued the following proclamation:

“WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina is committed to excellence in education and to public policy that strengthens the family; and
WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina recognizes parental choice in pursuit of that excellence and the importance of parental involvement in education; and
WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina appropriately and statutorily recognizes home education as a viable educational alternative; and
WHEREAS, parents have the ultimate authority and responsibility for the care, upbringing and choice of education for their children; and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate that North Carolina home educators and home educated children be recognized and celebrated for their contributions to the diversity and quality of education in this great State;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BEVERLY EAVES PERDUE, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim March 22-28, 2009, as “HOME EDUCATION WEEK” in North Carolina and call upon all citizens of this State to observe this week and recognize the continued growth and importance of home education in the State of North Carolina.
BEVERLY EAVES PERDUE”

Make no mistake–this could happen to any of us!

We must work together to stand up against those who would strip our freedom away!

Please visit this site to find out how you can help to fight the injustice for this homeschool mom and to preserve homeschooling freedom for homeschoolers everywhere!

~

Additional homeschooling posts:

Let Your Homeschooler Explore
I am a teacher.

Homeschooling Growing-Parents Realize Incredible Benefits
The benefits are clear.

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2 comments
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  1. This is very disappointing to say the least. If evidence shows these children are “thriving” then shouldn’t that be enough to allow them to remain under the conditions that are helping them thrive. It’s absurd to think otherwise.

  2. I am praying for this woman and her children earnestly. I have a similar situation right now. I have two children and my ex-husband, who has intentionally remained largely uninvolved in their lives, has suddenly decided to take me to court, asking the judge to tell me to return to work, lower his child support and is accusing me of not providing my children with an adequate education. He would like the judge to tell me that I cannot homeschool as well, so this startling news, so very close to home (I live in Anderson County South Carolina) is terrifying. God is so much bigger than we are; so much bigger than any mere attorney or judge or ex-husband. God tells us not to envy the evil doer. He is our Protector and our Judge; He love us; we are His children and He has promised to contend with those who contend with us. I am holding on to those promises for Vanessa Mills and for my court case.

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