Our daughter, Mikayla, is a dedicated and enthusiastic freshman who is homeschooled. She has been longing for the opportunity to try out for the high school softball team at Jefferson Township High School. However, a recent board decision has left homeschooled students, like Mikayla, on the sidelines.

Despite being serious and devoted to their studies at home, homeschool students are being unjustly stripped of their right to participate in athletics. Studies suggest that at least 3.4% students in the US, approximately 2.3 million are homeschooled, and these numbers are on the rise (National Home Education Research Institute). Allowing homeschooled students access to such activities not only enhances their social skills but also extends the pool of talent at school competitions, thereby fostering an overall development of their personality.

We urge the Jefferson Township High School Board to reconsider this decision to exclude homeschool students from participating in high school athletics. Please sign our petition and empower all homeschooled kids, like Mikayla, to have the chance they need and deserve.