Homeschoolers Win Landmark Case
PURCELLVILLE, Virginia, Aug. 8 (HSLDA) — In a 3-0 decision the California Court of Appeal for the Second Appellate District reversed its earlier ruling which would have required homeschoolers to be certified teachers in order to homeschool in California. “This is a great victory for homeschool freedom,” said Michael Farris, one of the team of attorneys who argued the case before the court and Chairman of HSLDA.
“I have never seen such an impressive array of people and organizations coming to the defense of homeschooling. The team effort was remarkable,” he added.
Mr. L of In re Rachel L was represented by Gary Kreep of the U.S. Justice Foundation and the Alliance Defense Fund.
The court agreed to re-hear In re Rachel L in March after a public outcry of its previous February, 2008 ruling. Many new arguments were presented to the court in June. HSLDA filed an amicus brief on behalf of our 15,000 California members. The Governor and Attorney General of California also supported a parents’ right to homeschool before the court.
“Tens of thousands of California parents teaching over 166,000 homeschooled children are now breathing easier this afternoon,” said Farris.
Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) is a 25 year old, 85,000 member non-profit organization and the preeminent national association advocating the legal right of parents to homeschool their children.