OPINION
Michigan Legislature looking to impede parental rights
Published January 9, 2024
Written by Henry
Photography by Simply American
IN 1993, MICHIGAN BECAME THE MOST HOMESCHOOL-FRIENDLY STATE IN THE NATION. BUT THE STATE WOULD LIKE THAT TO CHANGE.
“The right of parents to direct and control the upbringing of their children stands among the most established of our inalienable constitutional liberties.” —Professor William Wagner, WFFC Distinguished Chair for Faith and Freedom at Spring Arbor University
Since 2019, State Superintendent of Michigan Public Instruction, Dr. Michael Rice, has called for the “registration” and “regulation” of homeschoolers. In 2023, this push has gotten louder.
Throughout 2023, The Washington Post published a series of articles about homeschooling in Michigan, going so far as to suggest that homeschooling may be a cover for abuse. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel (D) and Representative Matt Koleszar (D) have continued that propaganda and are advocating for more state oversight of homeschooling. Koleszar, also chair of the House Education Committee, tweeted, “Michigan is only one of 11 states that doesn’t count or register homeschooled children, and abusive parents are taking advantage of that to avoid being found out.”
ACCORDING TO MULTIPLE STUDIES, HOMESCHOOLERS DO NOT EXPERIENCE ABUSE AT A HIGHER RATE THAN THOSE IN PUBLIC SCHOOL.
BUT THAT MAY NOT HINDER THE HOUSE EDUCATION COMMITTEE FROM WORKING TO PROMOTE LEGISLATION DESIGNED TO REGISTER HOMESCHOOL CHILDREN.
On Wednesday, January 10, 2024, the Education Committee will meet to look at changing the homeschool statute, MCL 380.10. At minimum, the Committee wants to start registering homeschoolers—after that they will be on their way to mandating visits and regulating how homeschool parents educate their children.
According to Salt & Light Global, a faith-based non-profit, there is a lot at stake right now.
What Michigan Families Stand to Lose
The best protections for homeschooling in the nation
Michigan currently leads in protecting parental rights and the freedom to homeschool; calls to register/regulate homeschooling will remove those protections and jeopardize such freedom.
Freedom and privacy
Similar policies have led to privacy violations, government officials regularly entering homes and interviewing children without parents present, and more.
What The State Stands to Gain
Increased Authority
The State would have increased authority over children, families, and parental rights.
Money
Public education is hemorrhaging students and money. Some estimate homeschooling in Michigan accounts for as much as $500 million annually in “potential” lost revenue to local school districts and thousands of teaching jobs.
Control
Some seek to use public education for social engineering.
THE RIGHT OF PARENTS TO CHOOSE HOW TO EDUCATE THEIR CHILDREN IS BEING CHALLENGED. IT IS TIME TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT WITH MICHIGAN LAWMAKERS.
Salt & Light Global is encouraging parents to have strategic conversations with their legislators. Email or call them, share homeschool success stories, and encourage them to protect each family’s right to educate their children as they see fit.
Far from being dangerous, homeschooling is the safest form of education.
Following are a few facts from Salt & Light to help set the record straight:
• Homeschools are 257% safer than public school counterparts
• Many parents homeschool in order to protect their students from the dangers of government schools like violence, bullying, and sexual abuse
• There is 0% correlation between abuse and homeschooling
The right of parents to choose their children’s education is under attack. Contact your legislator to stand for that right today.
The opinions expressed within this article are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the positions and beliefs of Simply American or its affiliates.