There have been questions regarding SB 101, otherwise known as RFRA, and why it is important for homeschoolers to support it. It is important to understand the history of the homeschool movement and how the RFRA will protect First Amendment rights. Here is testimony that was given to the Senate Judiciary Committee:
Thank you, Chairman Steele, and members of the committee. My name is Debi Ketron, and I represent Indiana Association of Home Educators. IAHE has been serving Indiana homeschoolers since 1983.
The modern homeschool movement began in the early 1980’s when the idea of home education was revitalized by parents who were convicted by their religious beliefs to return to educating their children at home. Large numbers of parents felt called by God to oversee the responsibility to educate their own children.
Deuteronomy 6:7-9, was their motivation: You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Homeschoolers in Indiana were afraid to answer their door during the day, kept the blinds shut, and didn’t go outside during school hours. Others were threatened with jail time and had to fight legal battles in many states to secure their rights. We see how God has blessed their obedience with the number of homeschooled children who have gone on to be national champions in nation-wide competitions, to be working at top levels in government and industry, and to be assets to their community. Home education works.
Over three decades later, many parents are still motivated by religious belief to teach their children at home.
Since education is basically a right stemming from the Indiana Constitution (as opposed to the Federal), we need this law the ensure that homeschooling remain a viable option for parents to choose based on their religious convictions, but also based on their parental right to direct their own children’s education. This would also be true for parents who choose private education, at say, a Catholic or religious school as well.
We urge your support of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
The Rally to support SB 101 is TOMORROW, Monday, March 16, at 9 a.m. in the North Atrium. WEAR GREEN.
This is the Hobby Lobby bill that has been in many states for decades.
RFRA