A common feature of authoritarian regimes is the criminalization of alternatives
to government-controlled education. Dictators recognize the danger that free
thought poses to their rule, and few things promote the thinking of "unapproved" thoughts
like an education controlled by parents instead of the state. That is why
the National Socialist (Nazi) government of Germany outlawed homeschooling
in 1938.
Sadly, these Nazi-era restrictions on parental rights remain the law in Germany,
leaving parents who wish greater control over their children's education without
options. That is why in 2006 Uwe and Hannalore Romeike, a German couple who
wanted to homeschool their three children for religious reasons, sought asylum
in the United States. Immigration judge Lawrence Burman upheld their application
for asylum, recognizing that the freedom of parents to homeschool was a "basic
human right."
Unfortunately, the current US administration does not see it that way, and
has announced that it is appealing Judge Burman's decision. If the administration
is successful, the Romeikes could be sent back to Germany where they will
be forced to send their children to schools whose teaching violates their
religious beliefs. If they refuse, they face huge fines, jail time, or even
the loss of custody of their children!
The Administration's appeal claims that the federal government has the constitutional
authority to ban homeschooling in all fifty states. The truth is, the Constitution
gives the federal government no power to control any aspect of education.
Furthermore, parents who, like the Romeikes, have a religious motivation for
homeschooling should be protected by the free exercise clause of the First
Amendment.
The federal government's hostility to homeschooling is shared by officials
at all levels of government. Despite the movement's success in legalizing
homeschooling in every state, many families are still subjected to harassment
by local officials. The harassment ranges from "home visits" by child protective
agencies to criminal prosecution for violating truancy laws.
Every American who values liberty should support the homeschoolers' cause.
If the government can usurp parental authority over something as fundamental
as the education of their children, there is almost no area of parenthood
off limits to government interference.
Homeschooling has proven to be an effective means of education. We are all
familiar with the remarkable academic achievements, including in national
spelling bees and other competitions, by homeshcooled children. In addition,
homeschooled students generally fare better than their public school educated
peers on all measures of academic performance.
It makes sense that children do better when their education is controlled
by those who know their unique needs best, rather than by a federal bureaucrat.
A strong homeschooling movement may also improve other forms of education.
If competition improves goods and services in other areas of life, why wouldn't
competition improve education? A large and growing homeschooling movement
could inspire public and private schools to innovate and improve.
When the government interferes with a parent's ability to choose the type
of education that is best for their child, it is acting immorally and in manner
inconsistent with a free society. A government that infringes on the rights
of homeschooling will eventually infringe on the rights of all parents. Homeschooled
children are more likely to embrace the philosophy of freedom, and to join
the efforts to restore liberty. In fact, I would not be surprised if the future
leaders of the liberty movement where homeschooled.
I believe so strongly in the homeschooling movement that I have just announced
my own curriculum for homeschooling families. Please visit this revolutionary
new project at http://www.ronpaulcurriculum.com.
