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.