March 11, 2008

An update to HSLDA Members and Friends on the California Court of

Appeal Decision on Homeschooling:

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell comes to the

defense of homeschool families. "The California Department of

Education policy will not change in any way as a result of this

ruling. Parents still have the right to homeschool in this state," he

said.

After the Court of Appeal for the Second Appellate District in Los Angeles ruled on February 28 that parents had to be credentialed

teachers to educate their own children the statement from O'Connell is

encouraging news for the homeschool community.

"O'Connell has it right," said Michael Farris, Chairman of HSLDA. "But

the court decision must still be overturned before homeschool freedom

can be restored in California."

The Court of Appeal ruling shocked the homeschool community because in

one sweeping decision it effectively outlawed homeschooling.

"We hope the statement from O'Connell puts the brakes on any

enforcement action," said Farris.

HSLDA will be pursuing several legal options, including seeking review

by the California Supreme Court and petitioning the same court to

depublish the opinion in order to return California to being a state

where a family can legally homeschool in California without fear.

"We have just started the legal battle to restore homeschool freedom in California," said Farris.

To visit HSLDA's Info page on this court decision, which has the legal

status, link to the decision, and info on legal grounds for

homeschooling in California, use this link:

http://hslda.org/elink.asp?ID=4890

 Slatter

Director of Media Relations