New Law Helps Indiana Grad Apply for Police Job

HSLDA recently invoked the authority of a brand new law to keep Matthew (name changed for privacy), an Indiana homeschool graduate, moving forward in his quest to become an officer with the Fort Wayne police.

House Bill 1348 was introduced this spring, passed by the legislature, and took effect July 1. It provides our legal team another tool for showing prospective employers and institutions of higher learning that homeschooling is a valid form of education that produces qualified graduates.

“The passing of this law was a real bright spot in an otherwise tumultuous legislative year,” noted Jim Mason, HSLDA president. “States such as Illinois and Virginia tried to enact onerous restrictions on homeschooling, measures which we defeated with the help of numerous allies. So it’s really encouraging to see Indiana deliver a powerful statement that bolsters our work to ensure homeschool graduates can compete on a level playing field.”

H.B. 1348 was authored by state Rep. Timothy Wesco, who is himself a homeschool graduate. It was championed through the legislative process by Indiana Association of Home Educators Action. 

Indiana is now the 17^th state to enact legislation protecting homeschool diplomas. We’ve worked with the American Legislative Exchange Council to develop model language that lawmakers can adapt for inclusion in their state’s statutes. HSLDA would love to hear from homeschool advocates who wish to see similar bills introduced in their legislatures. 

No cause for rejection

The law declares that a diploma or other credentials issued by a person who operates a homeschool is sufficient to demonstrate that the student in that homeschool “has met the requirements to complete high school.”

The law also states “a state or local agency or institution of higher education in Indiana may not reject or otherwise treat a person differently based solely on a diploma or credential that is issued by” such a school.

This second aspect of the law made a big difference when Matthew contacted HSLDA Senior Counsel Darren Jones for assistance.

Matthew explained he had submitted an application to join the Fort Wayne police, but then encountered a possible objection based on his homeschool credentials.

“He told me the police recruiter had never before seen a diploma signed by a parent,” Jones said. “The official then warned Matthew that his application could be rejected because of his high school records. So he asked us to help before he received a formal denial.”

Moving forward

Jones wrote a letter on Matthew’s behalf, affirming that he had been homeschooled in accordance with Indiana law. Jones also pointed out that, by statute, Fort Wayne police are forbidden from discriminating against homeschool graduates on the basis of how they were educated.

“Matthew submitted our letter along with his application, and it worked,” Jones said. He was soon approved to advance to the next step in the process of qualifying to work as a police officer.