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Legislative Update

 

July 17, 2014

 

 

 

Although the legislative session has yet to begin, HEAV wants to alert you to two issues of immediate concern to homeschoolers.

 

HEAV has learned from public records that a school board has submitted a formal, written request asking the Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) to change the language in the religious exemption statute. This action could have far-reaching effects on the First Amendment rights (free exercise of religion) of homeschoolers of all faiths.

 

Also, we have been made aware that another school district has changed its policies regarding how a parent notifies the superintendent that he intends to instruct his child[ren] at home. Requirements that exceed those specified by the law create a dangerous precedent that can result in requests for increasing amounts of information and an infringement on a parent's right to homeschool.

 

Please read the details below and learn what you can do to protect these rights.

With warm regards,  

 

Yvonne Bunn
   
  


   Yvonne Bunn
   Director of Legislative Affairs

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School Board Seeks Legislative Change for Religious Exemption 

The Botetourt County School Board submitted a formal proposal to the Virginia School Boards Association's Legislative Positions Committee (VSBA) requesting they add to VSBA's legislative package a requirement that religiously exempt parents and their children certify annually that they are conscientiously opposed to attendance at school. The proposal's Rationale for Changes states, "Adding the annual renewal part of the statute will enable the school boards to have more authority [emphasis mine] when students and families seek renewals, yet it does not go so far as to require proof of academic progress." Read more.

 

School District Expands Its Notice of Intent Requirement

The Hampton City school board has adopted a policy that requires homeschoolers to complete and submit its "Application for Exemption from Compulsory Education" in lieu of the Notice of Intent form. Requesting information that goes well beyond the law, it instructs parents and their children to sign the application under oath and have it notarized by a Notary Public. It also asks for the child's date of birth, grade level, and details about alternative program enrollment. Read more.

 

Visiting Delegate Chris Jones

Taking Action

Policy changes that affect the implementation of the Virginia homeschool law are of concern to all parents, whether they live in the involved school district or not. An infringement on the rights of some homeschoolers will eventually affect us all. Now is the time to get involved. Take these summer months to schedule a brief, friendly visit with your state legislator and make yourself known as a homeschool constituent. Then, pray for these officials regularly. Read more.  

Whom should you contact? 

Not sure who represents you in the Virginia General Assembly? Go to virginiageneralassembly.gov and click on the bar at the very top of the page. After typing in your name and address, you'll find contact information for your state and federal representatives.

 

~Yvonne

 

P.S.

HEAV is working with local support groups and other homeschool groups to protect our homeschool freedoms. Our position is stronger if we work together. Please let me know the outcome of your legislative visit. This will help us during the legislative session.E-mail me at support@heav.org and watch for further updates.

Home Educators Association of Virginia
support@heav.org
804-278-9200 
www.heav.org