College Blocks Grad’s Path to Family Business

A misunderstanding over homeschool law nearly prevented a Mississippi homeschool graduate from training in the same profession practiced by his father and grandfather. HSLDA helped resolve the situation.

After being homeschooled his whole life, 17-year-old Aaden McMorris obtained a high school diploma from his parents in June.

Hoping to become the third generation of McMorrises to work in the family-owned business—a funeral home—Aaden applied to a college in Tennessee that specializes in mortuary science. The college’s response left the teen and his parents perplexed.

Admissions officers at the college said they could not accept Aaden as a student because his diploma had been issued by his parents. They suggested that the teen take a high school equivalency exam such as the GED to validate his credentials.

Taken aback

Aaden’s mother Misty McMorris said the college’s rejection struck her as a slight against homeschooling.

“It was very frustrating and discouraging,” she said. “I didn’t understand why he would have to take the GED since he already has a diploma.”

Misty added that the area of Mississippi where they live has a vibrant homeschool community, with a reputation for producing successful students.

“Our local colleges have never raised objections over homeschool diplomas,” she noted.

A longtime member of HSLDA, Misty reached out to us for help.

Explaining the law

HSLDA Senior Counsel Darren Jones contacted the college on behalf of the family, verifying that they had complied with state law in issuing Aaden a high school diploma.

“Although Mississippi’s homeschool law is different from Tennessee’s,” he wrote, “both recognize homeschooling as a legal way of educating children.” Jones added that a specific Tennessee statute “prohibits public universities from discriminating against an applicant merely because he or she graduated from a homeschool program.”

Though it’s true this law does not apply to private colleges, Jones noted that the spirit of the measure should prompt admissions officers to accept Aaden’s diploma and transcripts as bona fide.

Ten days later a representative of the college telephoned Jones. Due to our letter, they had reviewed both Mississippi and Tennessee homeschool laws, and they informed Jones that Aaden had been accepted as a student.

Career moves

Misty said the news came as a big relief.

“I was so thankful,” she recalled. “That was a huge burden off of me.”

While facing this unexpected and undeserved conflict over homeschooling, she said, “it was wonderful that we could just pick up the phone and talk to an attorney.”

Misty added that her son is excited at the prospect of beginning classes in the fall. Much of the instruction will be completed online, though Aaden plans to spend a few weeks on campus for practicum. He’ll also be doing on-the-job training with his father.

Jones said he was gratified to have helped persuade college officials to accept a qualified homeschool graduate.