Good Evening!

Since this petition was created four days ago, one thousand people have signed, which is testimony to Illinoisans' commitment to supporting homeschoolers and their families.

Earlier today, Representative Michelle Mussman took the time to respond, and her thoughts can be viewed here. However, while her reply is appreciated, several concerns about HB2827 remain.

For example, what research/data inspired the bill? Have legislators examined how many documented cases of truancy and/or abuse have been definitively associated with homeschooling in Illinois---versus the number that have occurred in public schools throughout the state? If the former setting is not conclusively linked to a disproportionately higher level of truancy and/or abuse, then wouldn't state resources be more appropriately allocated to rectifying outstanding issues within Illinois's public schools? It's critical not to forget the reasons that prompted many families to pursue homeschooling/withdraw from public education in the first place. . . .

In addition, the relatively ambiguous nature of several topics either explicitly or implicitly referenced in the bill (including, but not limited to, what would trigger a truancy investigation, how the state would evaluate student portfolios, and what would qualify investigators to determine the robustness of any given curriculum) is extremely worrisome. At present, HB2827 would seemingly allow the state an unnecessary amount of latitude to subjectively interrupt and/or intrude upon the educational processes that many homeschool teachers regard as sacrosanct. 

There is no question that no child should ever suffer abuse or be denied an education, which is why it is so reassuring to know that the majority of homeschooled students enjoy the exact opposite experience.

The commitment of elected officials to best serve their constituents cannot be undervalued. Please continue to share our petition to respectfully remind Illinois legislators that this is why we are calling upon them to prevent HB2827 from advancing any further.