I don't know all the ins and outs of the case and I know that divorce cases can get really ugly, but it is unsettling to see parental rights stripped away like this. The judge says that "public school would be a great option for them," however, it's not an option at all, but now a requirement. They no longer have the freedom of educational choice...they have a judge-ordered requirement for public school, leaving no options at all. It is not all that unusual for a divorce custody case to jeopardize homeschooling. It is very unfortunate.
This is very reminiscent of last year's California case. These children were also ordered to enroll in public school; but the appeals court overturned this decision and concluded that parents, not the state, would decide where children are educated. Here's hoping that the North Carolina case will ultimately have the same outcome and parental rights to choose the best method to educate their children will prevail.
Comments
I hope this is overturned. There’s no reason the law needs to get involved in my opinion unless the child is being abused. Kids thrive at home where they can get that one on one attention and that’s why homeschooling is so good.
Therenmay be things involved that are not in the article. ie the custodial parent is asking for extra support. Basically the parents should have the final say in the raising of the child. We have elected to have larger and more intrusive gov’t so BEWARE!
As a parent of a public school child (I am considering homeschooling next year), I hate to see you display such thoughtless journalism in your writing of this article. It is CRITICAL that a writer get ALL of the facts that can be attained, before coming out of the box with outrage, paranoia and criticism. Think it out: what if the teaching parent is actually suffering from an alcohol or drug addiction? What if pornography has become a more blatant problem? What if there has been a sudden onset of an episode of mental illness? What if the parent is having to deal with some kind of health-relatedissue that really is in the way of normal homeschooling? What if the “thing” that is causing the divorce is truly affecting the children in an adverse way and it really WOULD be better for them to open their world a little in public school – for a break of sorts – until the parents get it straightened out? Does the judge say a time-limit for public school? Was there violence in the house? You don’t know, do you? You create a fully-baked nightmare based on a half-baked pan of facts and then, you unleash this rash of words and shroud it in fear! Then, you display to the public the OPPOSITE of what homeschooling is all about. Journalism-writing-homeschool-mom – back to school for you!! And excuse me, while I go research the facts on this case….
Beverly, I totally support your article and the information you’ve presented.
I am looking at the big picture. The court ruled that Venessa Mills must place her home schooled children in public school even though they tested as much as 2 years ahead of their grade! The only reason given was to give them a more “well rounded” education, which is double speak for adding a liberal world view to their Christian upbringing.
I don’t know about other parents, but I’d like to retain the right to make decisions about what my children will be taught. Decisions like this can set precedents that will hurt homeschoolers in the future.
Lara Oliver,
Of course I researched the facts before I posted my article. Your comment that accuses me of doing otherwise then throws out a bunch of made up scenarios and ends with “And excuse me, while I go research the facts on this case…” is a bit ironic…don’t you think?
Beverly
Outrage, paranoia, and criicism? Just sounds like concern to me.
My family has been homeschooling for 2 years. We are thrilled with the freedom of education afforded our sons. We explore the world in a depth they can never get in a classroom of 33 children. We are very concerned that our freedoms will be taken away and our son’s life learning will suffer. We cannot believe the difference in our sons comparing the “magnet” program schools they attended and our homeschooling. Their confidence has tripled. Our local high school is wracked with scandal of hazing incidents. Why would we want to worry about that?
We have decided to explore freedon of speech and track the “Child Rights” legislation going through congress soon. This is a very important topic for those of us who chose to utilize our freedom. THANK YOU for giving us a “heads up” on another case that MAY be affecting our children’s freedoms. This will be lessons for my sons. We will be tracking it and contacting our legislative bodies. Please do the same in your states. Thank You again.
I agree Beverly. Anyone who has never homeschooled cannot fully understand our problems with this.
The fact remains that the government should not dictate how a parent should educate their child/children in any event, unless there is definite abuses going on. Getting a divorce is not a reason or abuse enough for the government to have a say. If homeschooling was okay while they were married, it should still be.
Beverly,
You make a good point: I meant to indicate that I intended to research MORE than the one-sided article that was attached to your article, as it appeared to have quite a slant. It is natural for you to want to “take one side” and get articles that take your side, too, to support your opinions and writings. We all want that, if we are honest.
But it takes a lot of courage to look at ALL of the sides of a story – investigate the INSIDES of the story. This is what I teach my 4 children – “Hey, slow down. What are ALL of the facts – before you formulate a decision- pass a judgment?” I am just saying that it is SO important to try to see all sides.
As a child, I was from a broken home – I succeeded in being a cheerleader, on the student council, won ribbons for my art, was part of the debate team, made good grades….looks like I am thriving, right? Nothing could be further from the truth. My home life was a nightmare. Good grades = wonderful home life? That’s silly. The judge said “Public school would compliment their education” but he didn’t say how long it should go on, and quite likely, he is looking at a single mom now, with no income, with 3 kids, whose husband NEVER supported her homeschooling; a husband who cheated on her and caused a divorce. This doesn’t even begin to look at her part in it…! Maybe she is asking for alimony, maybe she is asking for some kind of childsupport that includes homeschooling supplies – Good Lord! – who knows? But I tell you one thing, the STING that comes after a divorce is so painful that it lasts for years. Having these kids in a situation with a broken-hearted mom trying to “hold it together” while schooling her children and trying to figure out where the next dime is coming from – can be the worst kind of “education” about life – putting them in with public schoolers for a little while might not be such a horrible idea…just until life settles a bit, then she can get control of the situation again. I am just saying that maybe the judge is seeing a “life” situation that could be harmful for the kids – who knows?
She might be a nut, the husband might be a nut, the judge might be a nut – but to boil it ALL down to an attack on homeschoolers is just lacking somehow. Just wish that considerations could be given to all sides. Homeschooling is the most awesome thing for parents and children UNLESS there is an unstable thing going on at home. I read a quote once: “If a child is only getting schooling, he is getting no education.” That means that ALL of life is an education. These kids in this broken home, what exactly are they learning? Maybe they need a little break – probably their homelife has been hellish already…
1. Lara was very judgemental and jumped to conclusions that Beverly didn’t do her homework, then said she teaches her kids not to do that…
2. I agree if it was okay while married, why does that change now if not to get back at the mother by using the child as a pawn?
3. When a judge orders someone to do something the law says they don’t have to do, HE is breaking the law. Judges are overstepping their authority all across our country on the homeschooling issue and I don’t understand why people don’t get that. If those who are to interpret the law do so opposite to what it says, let alone intent, what’s next?
Lara,
Isn’t that quote more pointing out the fact that knowledge alone isn’t enough, but experience is required as well? How much experience is available in a classroom with 1 teacher to 30-36 kids?
I was homeschooled until my Junior year of high school, and I have to say, those two years were more about meeting friends. I learned way more after school, when I could ask questions and get in-depth answers than I ever did at school for 8 hours getting rushed through everything.
As far as Beverly’s article, she’s not commenting on the judge’s reasons, he probably thinks he has very good reasons and can argue them well. What she’s commenting on is that the kids’ education is out of his jurisdiction because of our rights on educating our kids. And one judge successfully forcing kids into public school during a divorce (for anything short of physical abuse) will start a chain reaction of kids being forced into public school for reasons that shouldn’t cause them to be forced into public school.
These are just my thoughts and experiences, and what I took that Beverly was saying.
It is sad to see rights taken away because they are not “rights” they are just choices that the gov. let you make so that you feel better about your life. true “rights” can never be taken away. my son is both home schools and attends public school (in the Chinese public school system) i have come to the opinion that a school is an important part of learning how to get along in a group. and although my son learns more at home i still want him to attend in a class room (75 students to one teacher)
Everyone beware…once the Government gets a foot in the door…there will be no stopping them. If it’s a parents right and choice on how to educate their children…then that should be it period. I hope this ruling gets overturned, the Judge had no legal right to make that decision, no matter the circumstances. If there was abuse, don’t you think they would have taken the children away?
Hey Bev,
This is a sad situation initially,I just pulled my 15 year old son from a public school because he was not receiving the attention he needed and the teachers didn`t seem to care,I have been home schooling him through a special school that is computer based and i already see an improvement in him!!Its sad that a judge can make a decision for someone he doesn`t even know!! No one knows our children like we the parents,Thanks Bev for your weekly updates i look forward to reading them!
Hey all – I think I am very confused – I guess my problem boils down to this: I am seeing such strong judgement against homeschoolers from the public school system side. But what saddens me is that I see the same judgements and harsh attitudes from the homeschooling side. I hate the finger-pointing and the sneering. IT IS THE SAME STUFF, both sides.
I have been hanging around the homeschooling groups and have even assisted the teaching of some children. My older two children really had such good experiences and good education in public schools, although I always “added” schooling to their curriculum (I added God). But my middle child had a horrible time. My youngest is doing well, but since her older sister had a hard time, I am planning on homeschooling my little one, in time. So far, the teachers are absolutely excellent and loving and attentive (24 kids).
I realize that I came off way too strong in my comment to the writings about the case. A friend of mine is a social worker and put three sexual abusers in jail during two weeks’ work. He was disgusted with what he runs into, but was feeling pretty good about helping the children that he saved. This stuff breaks his heart; mine, too. My home-schooling friend (no longer), however, views him as a “child protective services Pig”, since some sad and stupid cases have come up where social workers were out of line with homeschoolers. It so happens that my social worker friend wholly supports homeschooling. And yet, this woman was pretty vicious with him -told him to cut some slack on homeschoolers. He was stunned. So was I. Does our big-picture vision have to be so narrow?
I guess I am so sick of the ATTACK/ATTACK BACK mode that everyone seems to be in. There is just as much viciousness on both sides, and it makes me sad. And weirdly, I feel like attacking, too, but I am not sure what…Attacking the constant attacking? I wish there was more respect- from everyone for everyone. There really is another option, aside from “fight or flight”.
Lara,
Don’t worry about it. These things bring out the best and worst in people all the time. Like I said, I don’t know all the ins and outs of the case. Homeschooling is often threatened in divorce cases. It’s just sad all the way around. I used to take all this stuff personal…now I just walk away and don’t let it bother me. I’ve learned there is no way that I can make everyone happy. I just try to report the facts, stay impartial the best I can, and stay true to myself. There seems to be more and more court cases where homeschooling gets thrown out with the bathwater when homeschooling wasn’t even the issue of the case. I’m not against public school, I’m not against any school. We’ve enjoyed the freedom to homeschool for many years now and I hate to see that freedom jeopardized.
Beverly
Are we writing a novel here? The comments are long drawn out babble. Both sides of the spectrum have been addressed. The issue here is the legality of the Government”s intrusion on our God given rights, as parents, to teach our children how we see fit. Big Brother BUTT OUT!!!!
I think the question is “when?” should SOMEONE butt in….for example, I know a homeschool family with 5 children. The husband has a severe drinking problem. the wife has a drinking problem, but not as severe. The father absolutely verbally abuses the kids when either: he is drunk, or hung over from a drinking binge. The oldest cringes when he hears loud noises. The middle one stutters. The youngest is out of control and very addicted to sugar. They are in trouble for real estate loan fraud. The kids are testing two grade levels above…Should I keep turning my head…? Is homeschooling best for this family? Should someone do something? Obviously, homeschooling would become an issue at some point…but what do you think is best folks?
By the way: they are very proud of the fact that they are CHRISTIANS, and hold themselves above those who are not. I also am a Christian, and am sensitive to the children’s pain, as I endured much of the isolation and abuse that they are going through, when I was younger….Not trying to go into endless babble…but…what if this is like the situation in that courtcase…one of the readers said that ONLY if there is physical abuse should homeschooling come into the picture..what about mental, emotional, sexual and spiritual abuse? These are things that often escape “proof”. When does a parent’s right to homeschool get questioned – like in the very real situation that I have described?
I went to Public School for k-12 and had above 4.0 most years, now Imam in college and doing excellent. I think Homeschooling is an okay option, but a child should be well rounded and learn about different Points of view so they can see all the options of the world. I think that at the very least children who are homeschooled should have a chance to make friends outside of their families’ usual circle of friends. Public school prepares a child not just academically, but socially as well, and maybe that is what the judge is basing his decision on, especially, since if the children’s grades are really high. I think I would want to hear why the judge ordered this decision first before ranting that a parent has the right to choose what is academically best for their child(ren). Thank you
Amy ~
You said it ALL so much more simply than anything I wrote – you are right on target. One of the comments indicated “…if there was abuse, the kids would have been removed.” What the courts always start with FIRST in those kinds of situations, is a “psychological evaluation” to determine if there IS any harm going on. Another reader commented that the soon-to-be-divorced wife was being evaluated for her “religious” viewpoints. That doesn’t mean her Christianity is being assaulted; it could be that there is a “seed of doubt” somewhere. I have seen horrendous things done because “God said” to do so (…check out the stories in the Bible- and in the daily paper) Point is: we can’t assume that this is an attack on Homeschooling. (In this particular case.)
the mother in this case was evaluated based upon her church due to former members of the church and her own parents assertion that the church was not good. the judge did set alimony and support so low she will have to work part time but why should he be supporting his ex wife when she is capable of contributing as well. everyone seems to forget life can’t continue as normal after a divorce since 2 homes must now be supported. I was first upset when I read about this case until reading some of the former church members comments about the church which sets my fundamentalist conservative heart ill at ease. There is some concern over behaviors present in one child since before he was school aged attributed to what he learned at this church with comments of a sexual nature. I honestly feel in this case PS may be warranted due to extenuating circumstances. Also part of the divorce proceedings when children are involved is always custody and how the children will be raised. There will always be issues when it comes to divorce and parenting decisions since we are inviting the courts to decide when we can not come to an agreement ourselves. I have a custody agreement that gives me full legal and physical custody but specifies the children must be in PS or private school when they meet compulsory education ages (8-17 here in PA), which means I can still HS until they are 8 at the beginning of the school year.
Lara and Amy have missed the point. Unless it has been proven that the children are being abused and are in danger, THE JUDGE DOESN’T HAVE THE RIGHT TO DECIDE WHERE OR HOW THOSE CHILDREN WILL BE EDUCATED – NO MATTER WHAT HIS REASONS MAY BE. He is imposing his OPINIONS upon this family and taking away their God-given liberty to educate their children as they see fit.
I DO HAVE SOMETHING AGAINST PUBLIC EDUCATION FOR THE CHILDREN OF CHRISTIANS. Children educated (if you can call it that) in public schools are being taught from a secular-humanistic world view. This “education” is faulty because when you leave out the Foundation of All Truth (God Himself), and substitute some other foundation (secular- humanism), then ALL OTHER SUBJECTS are being presented inaccurately (with perhaps the exception of math – I guess 2+2=4 regardless of what foundation the education is built upon).
Christian children DO NOT need to be “exposed” to other beliefs through a false worldview – THEY NEED TO BE EXPOSED TO OTHER BELIEFS, THIS WORLD’S SYSTEM AND WAYS, etc. THROUGH A CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW UNDER THE PROTECTION AND DISCRETION OF GODLY PARENTS.
And hey, my children don’t have to go to public school to be exposed to plenty of this world’s ways, beliefs, etc. AT CHURCH!
As far as the “attacking” that Lara mentioned;
from a Christian homeschooler’s standpoint, it’s not that we’re “attacking” public education – it’s that we’re DEFENDING our right to dissent and to choose not to utilize the public education system for our children.
Stephanie
In response to “Gray Matters”,
I had not read your comments when I previously submitted my comments. You have some valid points, but I submit that because of SIN, EVERYONE has a dysfunctional home life and suffers mental, emotional and spiritual abuse to some extent. Again I say, unless the children are in serious danger (a mentally insane mother or physically abusive mother, etc.), THE JUDGE IS OUTSIDE HIS BOUNDRIES TO IMPOSE HIS OPINION. As to the homeschool family you mentioned, if those parents are alcoholics how would going to public school help those children when they would still be under the parents’ care during non-school hours? In that situation, sounds like how they’re schooled isn’t so much the issue as that perhaps those children need to be in someone else’s care while the parents receive help.
Stephanie
O.K., now I’ve read the entire court order. Seems the father is not in agreement with the decision to homeschool. Sounds like the mother has fallen prey to brainwashing from a religious cult. Yes, IN THIS CASE, I believe the judge made a just decision that upholds the rights of BOTH parents and is in the best interest of the children. It’s sad though, that because of the mother’s mental state and the fathers ignorance concerning homeschooling, those children will be subject to indoctrination of secular-humanism in a public school. However, in this case, sounds like they’ll be safer there than with the mom.
Stephanie
thanks, Stephanie – I love the way you worked through the intense set of emotions on this particular case. I went through the exact same thing – bottom line is, we need to really (I mean REALLY) examine every single story and case. Why? Because children are precious, beautiful souls that God cherishes and gives to us to train. We are the adults, and yet, we often do the wrong thing. thank God, there is a savior.
But the second reason for really examining every issue is that it keeps us from jumping to conclusions – keeps our hearts more geared toward compassion. If I go with my first instincts – yup. looks like homeschool is under attack again, and I get all indignant. But peel that sad onion and what do you see? the tears of the innocent… so, now – NOW we can all do the better thing, right? Pray for those children first, in their sad situation. And then, yes, SECONDLY, pray for the Homeschool rights to be upheld. But first things first…would you agree?
Let’s examine the argument another way. Children enrolled in homeschool courses is fine. The atmosphere is comfortable, the child will not “hold back” their emotions,be responsive because they see only the parent(s) and be graded on the merits of the parent(s).But in the real world, recognition will not be as great or rewarding. There will always be another child with the same answer. Which means where will this leave your child? Will he or she become reclusive. The student needs to be interactive with other children. Maybe I should have asked this question first. At what age will the child or children attend school with other students? I need feedback.
Most likely this is not about the homeschooling at all… It is more likely about the fact that the parents have 1/2 time custody and father not wanting his children spending their school days with their mother during HIS 1/2 time. For better or for worse…that is what many of these battles are about. Not the best interest of the children…but the bitterness of the parents.
I had to write a “book” and get into long-winded babble, to say what Robin said: “It’s likely NOT about homeschooling”. Which exactly makes my point. We all jump, get indignantly annoyed, raise a ruckus, stamp our feet and carry on when we see things like this court case and we see articles that barely touch on the real roots of the problem. We just wannna fight back – or at least…. FIGHT… darn it!!
“KILL THE BEAST!!!” We can so easily create mob-mentality. Why are we so willing to “go there”? Isn’t fear being expounded upon and therefore enlarged with this stuff? And isn’t Satan full of wicked glee when we go on that fear ride? God doesn’t give us a spirit of fear does he? (2 Timothy 1:7)
Sadly, Christian rights ARE being attacked – well, duh – that’s predictable isn’t it? Aren’t we shock-proof by now? Jesus said we were aliens in this world. If we are hated, He was hated first. Our mission is to be compassionate and full of Christian love – in ALL of our educating of our children and each other-and of course, fight when we are led to fight (after prayerful consideration…)
Getting riled up about a POTENTIAL attack on homeschooling rights, isn’t the same as getting riled up about A REAL attack on homeschooling rights. Let’s wisely pick the real situation and arm ourselves instead of going on a sensationalized “fear-ride”. I just HATE to let Satan get credit for getting a bunch of homeschoolers all uptight. I HATE being a puppet!!
I wish that we had all approached that article with compassion for those 3 kids and their horrible broken home, and even the mis-led parents. We are a society that has a hard time being supportive of each other. I hate for us all to only want to “feed” upon what LOOKS like an outright attack. If we had been asked to pray for these folks, I wonder what healing movement in the situation might have come. Don’t think I am on a soapbox. I am standing here GUILTY of the things it looks like I am accusing everyone of – so don’t jump on me.
This is in response to Regena. Sorry, I haven’t had a chance to look at this in a while. Unfortunately, not all homeschool situations are ideal. Some children may not be receiving a proper education and may even be falling behind. That’s sad. However, I believe NO EDUCATIONAL OPTION is ideal, and with ALL OPTIONS there will be some who don’t get what they need and/or will “fall through the cracks”. A GOOD, ATTENTIVE HOMESCHOOLING PARENT WILL MAKE SURE THEIR CHILD IS RECEIVING adequate accademic instruction, Biblical instruction, extra-curricular opportunities, enrichment courses, training in life skills and, YES, PLENTY OF INTERACTION WITH, not just children of their own age, but PEOPLE OF ALL AGES WITHIN A VARIETY OF SETTINGS. A GOOD homeschool education tends to produce MUCH MORE WELL-ROUNDED children than the typical public school education.
NOW FOR THE MAIN POINT: GOD IS THE ONE WHO DETERMINES WHO THE PARENTS OF EACH CHILD WILL BE. HE (God) DELEGATES THE AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILTY TO THE PARENTS TO REAR THEIR CHILDREN ACCORDING TO THEIR CONVICTIONS BASED ON HIS WORD (the Bible). UNLESS THEIR IS PHYSICAL OR SEXUAL ABUSE THAT IS PROVEN IN COURT OR EMOTIONAL/MENTAL ABUSE DUE TO PROVEN MENTAL INSTABILITY OF THE PARENTS – in other words, it’s been proven the children are in REAL DANGER – THE GOVERNMENT HAS NO RIGHT TO INTERFERE, EVEN WITH INADEQUATE HOMESCHOOLING SITUATIONS, JUST BECAUSE ITS STARDARDS OR OPINIONS DIFFER FROM THOSE OF THE PARENTS. God knows ahead of time about all the sins, struggles, bad habits and weaknesses of each set of parents to whom He sends a life to be cared for. YES, I’m stating that even in situations where a child may not be receiving an education that is “up to par”, the government’s jurisdiction should only go as far as to ensure that appropriate opportunity is being given for children to learn to read, write & have basic math skills. Beyond that, IT SHOULD BE COMPLETELY UP TO PARENTS AS TO WHAT AND HOW THEIR CHILDREN ARE TAUGHT (whether we agree with their decisions or not).
I hope some of this provides the “feedback” you asked for. Just know that all of the homeschoolers that I know are not “reclusive” or isolated, nor are their children deprived of plenty of interaction.
Stephanie (same one as before)
P.S. for Regena,
It is not necessary at ANY TIME for the children to “go to school with other children”. With all the resources we have available today, it is no problem to provide a top-notch education all the way through grade school. Parents aren’t alone in their endeavor as in the past. Children can attend online school and have access to certified teachers via DVD, live streaming on the internet, phone and online chat for those subjects that the parents find challenging. Homeschooled children can even go to local technical school/college campuses for some courses. I DON’T KNOW THAT MY CHILDREN WILL EVER ATTEND SCHOOL “WITH OTHER CHILDREN”. But we are involved in a homeschool group, homeschool co-op, church activities and extra-curricular activities with other children and adults of all ages on a regular basis.
One of the things that I totally take delight in, when I think of homeschooling in the future, is the fact that the homeschool families in my area are making such connections with each other. The network is huge, and is growing quickly. Parents and kids are going on field trips, Dads are taking a day from work and teaching several children a certain skill, moms are trading with other moms in the teaching arenas. For example, I can teach English, Reading and since I am an artist for my work, I can teach art. But I am very NOT good at anything that has to do with math or History. When the time comes, I will trade teaching subjects with another parent. What that means is that my Art class may end up with 6 or 7 students in it, which gives the kids classmates and “interaction”. My daughter will be with other students, and can be taught by another parent in subjects that I have a tough time in. Parents are tighter with each other and sincere, lasting relationships develop. I constantly hear people make comments about how sad it would be for a homeschool child – the isolation, lack of interaction with others, loneliness, etc. But that’s not how it is at all! I am sure that some folks might isolate and shelter kids from the “real world” but I am sure that is a very small percentage. Abuse might be kept from the rest of the world by keeping children at home, but again, I think it is a small percentage.
Look, I believe that parents should have a choice, but also, when something comes up, such as a divorce, which nullifies the ability of a parent to teach a child the proper corriculem at home, and the parents still force their children to get below par education at home, the government needs to step in. The governent is in the right with this one, as according to the CAPTA, the definition of Child Abuse and neglect is:
“Any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker, which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse, or exploitation, or an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm”
Serious harm includes a parent forcing a kid to get a proper education. It is also truancy, according to princton, the definition of truancy is
“failure to attend (especially school)”
Homeschooling is useful and can be very succwessful, but for it to secceed it has to be able to not cause the student to lag behind students in public school. If they continue to lag behind in school work- effectively failing to “attend” school, then yes it is the state’s duty to allow every child a free, safe environment of learning.
Another thing that should be considered is the lack of classmates, and thus the lack of interaction and the competive atmosphere, one of the great things about real school. The competitive atmosphere makes sure that the students have a reason to secceed, and is very hard to stimulate.
Reforences: Public school student from pre-K to current (9th grade), I have friends who are homeschooled, personal expiriance.
Why so many caps, hmm?
f I were the judge I would’ve ruled differently in this case BUT the outcome would be the same. Half of the parents of these children would be angry and upset that the judge could possibly do THAT. When a couple divorces they INVITE the government in to make decisions in their children’s lives.
This is not a homeschooling issue nor is it a parental rights issue it is a child custody issue.
I hate to see a judge use his/her authority in this way!
Wow. I can’t even imagine. How an a judge take this decision out of the mother’s hands? Let’s say it’s because the husband claimed his infidelity was her fault, b/c she was spending her time with her kids. And that he doesn’t want to pay the extra education costs. Even if you add both those factors into the equation, the fact is, they both made the decision to homeschool together, he obviously supported it in the past (or else they wouldn’t be homeschooling), and he should be made to continue the same stability the children are used to. How unfair.
I checked into the details of this case, and here is what I found:
The judge said the husband has not been supportive of his wife’s homeschooling, and “it accomplished its purposes. It now was appropriate to have them back in public school.” Mangum, the judge, said he made the determination on his guiding principle, “What’s in the best interest of the minor children,” and conceded it was putting his judgment in place of the mother’s. This came closely after a court panel in California ruled that a family would no longer be allowed to homeschool their own children. (Obviously, the California ruling had nothing to do with judges in North Carolina. Interesting, considering NC is considered part of the Bible Belt.)
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=91397
This comes from