Homeschooling Freedom

The Romeike Family

Here at BFB we believe that it is right that a parent should be supported in his or her educational choices for their children. Americans enjoy a uniquely unfettered ability to educate their children at home. While the individual state requirements may be more onerous in some states, homeschooling is generally accepted as a good and the federal government has very little say in what you teach your children. But the federal government seems to be making moves that could eventually threaten this right.

The case involves a family of eight from Germany. The Romeikes sought political asylum here in the US in 2008. They were accepted and granted refugee status because their decision to homeschool their children in their native Germany was met with fines and the possible loss of parental rights. Now the administration has overturned its decision stating that the fact that the Romeikes cannot educate their children in the way they see fit is not proper cause for asylum. As Michael Farris, an attorney who is helping argue their case states: "The Attorney General of the United States thinks that a law that bans homeschooling entirely violates no fundamental liberties." This is alarming on many levels and could signal an intent for further government regulation of home schoolers. 

So, it's time to make your voices heard. There is a White House petition that you can sign, asking that the Romeikes be granted permanent legal status. The petition is nearly at 100,000 signatures and that's excellent, but there are an estimated 2-3 million home educators in America, so let's get the word out and let them know we are out here! 

If you would like to read further, here are some helpful articles:

The Washington Times

ABC News

World Magazine

Article by Michael Farris, founder of HSLDA

White House Petition