We, the concerned citizens of Red Bank, NJ, kindly request the attention of the school board to reconsider their policy that prohibits homeschooled students from participating in school sports. We believe that every child should have equal opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities and benefit from the physical and social development that sports offer.

1. Equal Opportunities for All:
By denying homeschooled students access to school sports, we are depriving them of an essential aspect of a well-rounded education. It is crucial to promote inclusivity and ensure that all children within our community have equal opportunities for growth and development.

2. Academic Performance:
Contrary to popular misconceptions, studies have shown that homeschooled students often outperform their traditionally schooled peers academically (Ray, 2017). This suggests that homeschooling does not hinder a student's ability to excel academically but rather provides an alternative educational path.

3. Socialization Benefits:
Participating in team sports fosters important social skills such as teamwork, leadership, communication, and conflict resolution (Holt et al., 2017). By allowing homeschooled students access to school sports programs, we can help bridge any potential gaps in socialization they may face due to their unique educational setting.

4. Positive Impact on Schools:
Allowing homeschooled students into school sports programs can bring numerous benefits not only for these individuals but also for schools themselves. Increased participation can lead to stronger teams with more diverse skill sets and perspectives. Additionally, it promotes community engagement by involving families who choose homeschooling as part of our broader educational system.

5. Legal Precedents:

On November 9, 2011, the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) amended their bylaws to make it clear that local school districts may allow homeschool students to compete in interscholastic sports, provided the student (1) resides in the district for which he is playing, (2) obtains approval from his local school board and principal, (3) demonstrates that he is academically qualified and is receiving an equivalent education, and (4) complies with all requirements imposed on other members of the team.

https://www.njsiaa.org/inside-njsiaa/njsiaa-handbook

Similarly, the New Jersey Department of Education’s website states that local boards of education may allow homeschool students “to participate in curricular and extra-curricular activities or sports activities.” (See question 10 of the Department of Education’s FAQs.)

https://www.nj.gov/education/safety/nontraditional/faq_homeschool.shtml

The law also states that if a public school allows private school students to come onto public school property to receive special education services, they must provide the same access to homeschool students. Forstrom v. Byrne, 775 A.2d 65 (N.J. Sup. Ct. App. Div. 2001).

Several schools across NJ already allow homeschooled students access to public-school extracurricular activities without compromising their homeschool status. These schools recognize the importance of providing equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their educational setting.

In conclusion, we urge the Red Bank Regional school board to reconsider their policy and grant homeschooled students the right to participate in school sports. By doing so, we will foster inclusivity, promote socialization, and provide equal opportunities for all children within our community. Let us work together to ensure that every child has a chance to thrive both academically and socially.

Thank you for your attention and consideration.

Sincerely,

Anita Pierce
Red Bank, NJ, 07701