Homeschooling issue before the New Hampshire Supreme Court

It certainly is an argument against divorce- the kids end up being pawns in a tug-of-war that has nothing to do with what is best for the child.

I’m a bit suspicious of the dad for one reason- he was fine with homeschooling until the divorce, and his objections are not based on his daughter’s academic record, but the religious influence of the mom. OK- that’s 2 reasons.

If the girl is getting a top-notch education, why should the state be able to step in and say that the child needs to experience diversity? And what does that mean for any religious school, not just homeschoolers?

[Susan R] If the girl is getting a top-notch education, why should the state be able to step in and say that the child needs to experience diversity? And what does that mean for any religious school, not just homeschoolers?

Exactly, Susan. I almost drove off the rode when I first heard this story on the radio yesterday. The judge was quoted as clearly deciding the case based on the rigidness of the religious views the child was displaying, having been fostered by the parent. He explicitly states the reason for public education is to develop a more tolerant view of other religions. First, I thought gov/public school was supposed to be religious neutral.This principle is violated by the court’s action and by the assumption regarding the public school. Second, what about the broader impact on all religious education. I’m not just talking about religious schools, but what about churches? If the court is now responsible to regulate beliefs, this type of action will eventually affect every facet of life.

I cannot the believe the decision will be permitted to stand on the reasoning that supports it. My guess, it will be overturned on appeal and sent back to retrial where the outcome will be the same but the reasoning will shift to support both parent’s rights or something. So, so scary!