Homeschooling Policy and Parental Rights, with Will Estrada
In this episode, Will Estrada, Esq., Senior Counsel at the Home School Legal Defense Association, joins us to discuss recent legislative efforts impacting homeschool families across the country. Focusing on two contrasting bills in New England, Estrada explains how Connecticut’s HB5468 would significantly increase regulations on homeschool families, while New Hampshire’s HB1268 would move in the opposite direction by reducing requirements. He also explores the broader philosophical question underlying these debates: where parental rights come from, and whether they should be subject to government control.
Estrada discusses the implications of increasing homeschool regulations, including the strain on public school systems and child protective services. Drawing on national data and research, he addresses common concerns about child safety, noting that studies show no increased risk of abuse or neglect based on education type. He argues that policy efforts would be better focused on reforming child protective services rather than expanding oversight of homeschool families, and emphasizes the importance of parental involvement in a child’s education.
The EPPiC Broadcast is hosted by Michael Ramey, President of the Parental Rights Foundation. Stay informed on parental rights news by signing up for email alerts at https://parentalrightsfoundation.org/get-involved/
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
- HSLDA State Homeschool Laws Map
- Bringing Achievement Home by Lindsey Burke
- Homeschooling and Child Safety: Are Kids Safer at Home? by Angela Dills
- Demographics are Predictive of Child Abuse and Neglect but Homeschool Versus Conventional School is a Non-issue by Brian Ray & Danish Shakeel
- The Changing Face of American Homeschool: A 25-Year Comparison of Race and Ethnicity by Alanna Bjorklund-Young & Angela Watson
- In Defense of Homeschool Families by Amy Buchmeyer, Esq.