Victoria Cobb, President
Monday, February 6, 2012
Action Alert: Urge Delegate To Support Fairness for Homeschoolers
Opposition to legislation that would remove a barrier that prevents home school students from simply trying out for public school sports teams is fierce – and some House Republicans are indicating that they will vote against the bill, leaving it in peril.
Please click here to contact your Delegate today and urge him or her to vote in favor of HB 947.
This bill is a top priority for The Family Foundation this year. It is scheduled to be voted on by the full House of Delegates mid-week.
HB 947, a bill patroned by Delegate Rob Bell (R-58, Charlottesville), has been amended with a “sunset” provision, which would require the General Assembly to act again in 2017 to perpetuate this additional freedom should it pass this year. In essence, all we are asking for is a try out period for home school kids to try out! This bill doesn’t force any home school student to participate in any activity. It simply requires that the Virginia High School League allow home school students to try out for sports teams or public schools can’t contract with VHSL. The bill also requires home school students who participate to meet the disciplinary requirements and allows for families to be charged any fees associated with participation.
Local school systems could also add other academic or disciplinary requirements.
The children of families who pay taxes that support the local public schools and are part of our communities continue to be denied the ability to try out for an activity that they are funding for the simple reason that they are home schooled. This discriminatory practice must end. Several other states have such freedom and have made it work – Virginia can too!
After years of facing defeat by way of procedural gymnastics and behind-the-scenes maneuvers, this legislation finally passed the House Education committee last week and will finally be voted on in the House of Delegates this week, but we need you to urge your Delegate to support the measure.
Opponents such as the VHSL, the Virginia Education Association (VEA), and the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) are doing all that they can to prevent this bill from passing. Your voice is critical to the success of this bill. Thank you in advance for your support!
ACTION: Please click here to contact your Delegate today and urge him or her to vote in favor of HB 947.
No comments:
Post a Comment