August 24, 2004
High Court Flip-Flops on Sports Access Appeal; Tough
Questions Remain
On June 29, the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals decided to
permit an appeal from the decision requiring homeschoolers to be
allowed to play on public school sports teams.
Only the previous month, the high court had unanimously rebuffed the
West Virginia State Board of Education, the State Superintendent of
Schools, and the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission
when they asked for permission to appeal Marion County Judge Duke
Bloom's decision.
But regardless of how the Court ultimately rules, should homeschool
parents ask the public schools to meet their needs for academics,
sports, or extracurricular activities?
Many parents want to use resources outside the home, especially in the
high school years. HSLDA supports parents' fundamental right to choose
the education that is best for their child. However, we strongly urge
families to choose private home education. Keep in mind that whatever
choice you use to meet your family's needs, you strengthen.
If you turn to the private homeschool community to meet your needs,
you strengthen the homeschool community. If you turn to the compulsory
education system, you strengthen the compulsory education system.
Many resources are now available to homeschool parents including
homeschool sports leagues, co-op classes, on line classes, private
school classes, community college and 4-year college classes. These
options have expanded because of increased demand from homeschool
parents. All of these options are outside the compulsory education
system.
Many parents homeschool because they want their children to learn that
recognition of God is the foundation of all learning and beneficial
activity. Public school teachers and coaches are not permitted to
teach this foundational principle.
A family's decision about participating in public school classes,
sports, or extracurricular activities may have profound consequences.
It should not be made lightly. We urge you to consider all the issues
and, of course, seek God's counsel through prayer.
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