Ban Homeschooling?

Harvard Professor Elizabeth Bartholet was in the news recently calling for a ban on homeschooling. As part of her argument, she basically cited concerns regarding academic standards, social isolation leading to abuse, and the promotion of Christian (rather than state) thinking, ideals and worldview.

Here is an article responding to each of her criticisms. It’s really not that hard to debunk her anti-homeschooling myths, but it is concerning that someone in her position is willing to make such unfounded claims. I imagine it is more likely that her concerns stem from a fear of the unknown. The unregulated and open-ended nature of homeschooling, which often produces independent-thinking and successful human beings, feels like a threat to those who would prefer to control the ideas and opinions (and therefore education) of the populace.

It’s up to us as homeschoolers to present a positive picture to the rest of society. Let’s keep doing our best to show the world the benefits of a homeschooling lifestyle, while accepting those who choose a different approach!