Compulsory Volunteers

The apathy that would cause anyone to dismiss the injustices of Venessa Mills' case as "only a divorce" will lead to the same dismissive attitude of other issues.

Some extracts from a recent HSLDA e-mail ... first:

HSLDA has reviewed H.R. 1388, and there is nothing in the bill as passed by both the House and Senate that would threaten the freedom of homeschool families, whether or not they live in states that treat homeschooling as a private school or as a homeschool. While the original version of H.R. 1388 contained a mandatory service requirement for public school curricula, the bill as passed does not mandate any volunteer service for public or private schools.

So, nothing to worry about. Great. Oh, but then:

HSLDA has several concerns with H.R. 1444. Although it will only create a commission to research volunteer service, the commission would be tasked with determining “whether a workable, fair, and reasonable mandatory service requirement for all able young people could be developed.” Most parents would be very concerned if their children would be required by the government to volunteer their time. And such a requirement—if it ever became law—would completely defeat the voluntary nature of this type of service.

We support the HSLDA and encourage parents, whether homeschooling or not, to take serious note of what the government is laying the groundwork for with these Bills. However, their refusal to acknowledge the implications of Venessa Mills' case because it is "only a divorce" is short-sighted at best.