California Schools: A Tough Nut To Crack
What’s most shocking about the California state appellate court ruling that says parents that homeschool their children must have teaching credentials is the wording that goes with the decision.
By ALEXANDER
Justice H. Walter Croskey wrote in a Feb. 28 opinion signed by the two other members of the district court:
“Parents do not have a constitutional right to home school their children.”
What the heck? It’s amazing how liberals are so opposed to big-brotherism, yet often have rulings and ideas that would lead to nothing but such.
Here’s the lead in the L.A. Times:
Parents who lack teaching credentials cannot educate their children at home, according to a state appellate court ruling that is sending waves of fear through California’s home schooling families.
Advocates for the families vowed to appeal the decision to the state Supreme Court. Enforcement until then appears unlikely, but if the ruling stands, home-schooling supporters say California will have the most regressive law in the nation.
Regressive, by the way, can mean “backward reasoning”…and this legislation certainly is. Talk about the manipulation of our most precious gift, children. Apparently, a group of California legislators feel they can do a better job of decision making in regards to what’s best for our kids.
More from the Times:
“This decision is a direct hit against every home schooler in California,” said Brad Dacus, president of the Pacific Justice Institute, which represents the Sunland Christian School, which specializes in religious home schooling. “If the state Supreme Court does not reverse this . . . there will be nothing to prevent home-school witch hunts from being implemented in every corner of the state of California.”
Spiritual warfare?
Phillip Long said he believes the ruling stems from hostility against Christians and vowed to appeal to the state Supreme Court.
“I have sincerely held religious beliefs,” he said. “Public schools conflict with that. I have to go with what my conscience requires me.”
Public schools teach such topics as evolution, which Long said he doesn’t believe in. He said his wife spends six hours each day teaching their children reading, writing, math, science, health, physical education, Bible and social studies. Court papers say Mary Long’s education ended at 11th grade.
Public schools are a tough nut to crack these days. Christmas is no longer celebrated or recognized, but simply called “Winter” or “Holiday” break…however, go to most schools and see Halloween celebrated like it’s the greatest event since Columbus discovered America. Many teachers are going beyond just no longer teaching both sides of an issue, now more brazenly bashing Christians for their opposing view. Real people that lived during Biblical times are a taboo subject, but obscure gay people are lifted to historical significance.
What about this ruling? More from the Times:
It’s unclear if the ruling will be enforced, given the likely appeals. Typically, these rulings take effect 30 days after they are issued.
Other organizations that plan to get involved include the Pacific Justice Institute, Home School Legal Defense Assn. and the Home School Assn. of California.
Meanwhile, state Department of Education’s attorneys are reviewing the ruling.
Teachers union officials will also be closely monitoring the appeal. A.J. Duffy, president of United Teachers Los Angeles, said he agrees with the ruling.
“What’s best for a child is to be taught by a credentialed teacher,” he said.
Public schools are a tough nut to crack. How tough?
“I want to have control over what goes in my son’s head, not what’s put in there by people who might be on the far left who have their own ideas about indoctrinating kids,” he said.
If the ruling takes effect, Glenn vowed to move his family out of state. “If I can’t home school my son in California, we’re going to have to end up leaving California. That’s how important it is to me.”
California…I was born here…I love it…but it’s always been a nutty place. However, some of the greatest Christian leaders and communities in America can be found right here in the Left Coast…I have faith they will be heard. This mission field just got a bit more clearly defined.
Alexander is the editor of The Scrooge Report, with the goal of “Eyeing the World With a Bright Light.” Alexander’s other site is dedicated to The Word.
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