from a email so claims are being made… so how accurate it is???
By Eric Thompson on January 20, 2025
Virginia is buzzing with discussions about a new bill introduced by state Senator Stella Pekarsky. This proposal has stirred up quite a bit of debate, especially among homeschooling families who feel it might infringe on their rights. Currently, parents in Virginia who wish to homeschool their kids simply need to inform the local school superintendent, outline their curriculum, and meet certain basic criteria like holding a high school diploma. However, Pekarsky’s SB 1031 seeks to change that by adding more stringent requirements, particularly for those claiming a religious exemption.
The bill requires parents to notify the division superintendent of their intention to seek a religious exemption from school attendance. It further specifies that this exemption must be based on “bona fide religious training or belief,” explicitly excluding political, sociological, or philosophical motivations. Critics argue this could lead to state officials evaluating the sincerity of religious beliefs, a prospect that raises many eyebrows.
Stephanie Lundquist-Arora from the Independent Women’s Network has voiced concerns, questioning the appropriateness of the government determining the authenticity of citizens’ religious beliefs. It’s a sentiment echoed by the Home School Legal Defense Association, which sees the bill as rooted in a worldview that distrusts parents and favors increased governmental oversight.
The Virginia Education Opportunity Alliance is also worried. They believe that the bill threatens the religious exemption for homeschooling families, potentially undermining their right to educate children based on faith. This has prompted groups like the Home Educators Association of Virginia to rally Virginians to contact lawmakers and push for the bill’s rejection.
A closer look at the data from the Virginia Department of Education shows why this legislation is contentious. Out of 56,008 homeschooled students in the state, only 6,755 are homeschooled under religious exemptions. This indicates that many families choose homeschooling for various reasons, not just religion, and feel the bill is an unwarranted intrusion on their freedoms.
Lundquist-Arora, who has firsthand experience homeschooling during the 2020-21 school year, expressed her disapproval of the bill. Back then, she chose to homeschool her children due to the closure of schools by the Fairfax County School Board, which included Pekarsky and other Democrats.
The increasing trend towards homeschooling is not just a Virginia phenomenon. The Washington Post reported that homeschooling has become the fastest-growing form of education in the U.S. With a 51% increase in homeschooled students over six years, it’s clear that many parents are seeking alternatives to traditional schooling. In contrast, private school enrollments have only grown by 7%, while public schools have seen a 4% decline.
Forbes also highlighted this shift, noting that the number of homeschooled students nationwide jumped from about 2.5 million in 2019 to over 4 million. This surge reflects a growing desire among parents to have more control over their children’s education, whether for religious, personal, or educational reasons.
In light of these trends, Pekarsky’s bill has struck a nerve. Many families feel that their rights to choose how their children are educated are being challenged. The debate around this bill underscores a larger conversation about parental rights and government involvement in education.
As the legislative process unfolds, it will be interesting to see how lawmakers respond to the concerns of their constituents. The outcome could have significant implications not just for homeschooling families in Virginia but also for broader discussions about educational freedom across the country.
For those interested in following this issue closely, staying informed and engaged with local representatives will be key. The ongoing dialogue highlights the balance between ensuring educational standards and respecting parental rights, a topic that resonates with many families today.
The pushback against this bill illustrates the power of community advocacy. Virginians are mobilizing to protect what they see as a fundamental right, showcasing the strength of grassroots movements in shaping policy.
As the conversation continues, it remains to be seen whether Pekarsky’s bill will ultimately pass or if public opinion will sway lawmakers to reconsider. One thing is clear: the debate has only just begun, and its outcome could set a precedent for how similar issues are handled nationwide.