There has been much concern expressed over HB 2789, but in communicating with HSLDA and our lobbyist in Springfield, they have informed us that this bill is not aimed at homeschooling, due to the verbiage employed. Therefore, the ICHE Legislative Task Force is NOT encouraging calls at this time. If you want to call on behalf of brick and mortar non-public schools, feel free to do so but please do not identify yourself as a homeschooler. HSLDA sent the following explanation to ICHE:
Homeschools operate as private schools for purposes of complying with the compulsory school attendance law because parents can provide equivalent instruction at home. But this does not transform the physical home into a school building. Indeed, the Illinois Supreme Court has affirmed that the object of compulsory school attendance is “that children shall be educated, not that they shall be educated in any particular manner or place.”
The authority HB 2789 grants to the Department to regulate “in-person instruction” at schools would not apply to the home setting. Homeschooling parents would not be subject to the related restrictions while educating their own children in their own home.
The ICHE LTF team will continue to monitor this bill as part of the AdHoc Committee for Homeschool Legal and Legislative Matters. The Task Force looks at many bills so you don’t have to, allowing you to spend your time where it is most needed: homeschooling your children! Special thanks to our friends at HSLDA for their expertise and to our faithful lobbyist in Springfield. Also, thank you for your concern and for being a part of the ICHE family. We know if you are needed, you come out in full force. It is by God’s grace and your faithful support that we are able to continue to help protect homeschooling rights here in the Land of Lincoln. Thank You!
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