MI Lawmakers Target Homeschooling

Yesterday, Representative Matt Koleszar, Chair of Michigan's House Education Committee, expressed his desire to require all homeschool families register their children with state government.

He posted on X, “Michigan is one of only 11 states that doesn’t count or register homeschooled children, and abusive parents are taking advantage of that to avoid being found out. It’s time to support all Michigan students and change that. Michigan cannot allow this loophole to continue.”

While SLG ardently opposes any and all acts of child abuse and actively works to aid the most vulnerable, we remain dedicated champions of Christian parenting and homeschooling.

There are numerous inaccuracies and false presumptions in Rep. Koleszar's statement, and it important that engaged Christian citizens respectfully bring truth into the public dialogue:

• Absence of state registration is not a "loophole." For 30 years, Michigan has been a national leader in successful home education, balancing freedom with clear statutory responsibility resulting in well-rounded academically excellent students.
• Homeschoolers do not experience abuse at a higher rate than public or private school peers, according to a recent Barna study.
• Increasing homeschool regulation will not solve the problem. A recent study proved there was no connection at all between regulation of homeschooling and incidents of abuse.
• State-run schools are far more dangerous, exposing children to high crime rates and 25 to 63 murders annually, rampant bullying and harassment, substance abuse (hence drug-free zones), suicides, and a tragically high rate (11.7%) of sexual abuse of students by public school staff.
• In short, as reported in the Gen 2 Survey revealed that students that are homeschooled are 257% less likely to be sexually abused than those in public schools.

As our friends at Michigan Christian Homeschool Network (MICHN) stated in a recent press release on the subject, "Instead of exploiting a false political narrative about home education to make headlines, Representative Koleszar’s time would be better spent focusing on improving Michigan’s struggling public school system, focusing his attention on the real problems that plague the state’s Child Protective Services and the abuse of children in union-backed schools."

Even while the legislature is on recess this month, many legislators are working on crafting policy, you can help ensure that your values are represented in that policy by speaking truth in this vital moment.

We urge you to join us in prayer for all elected leaders and to share your thoughts and concerns with Rep. Koleszar and with your own state representative and senator.

Upcoming Events:

Join us ONLINE Monday, December 18 at 7pm

for Christas & the Constitution

Christmas is the time of year that Christian citizens celebrate one of the most significant events in all human history: the birth of Jesus Christ. Every year though, like the ancient King Herod, someone tries to kill Baby Jesus sleeping in His manger. Seeking to ban God from the public square, lawyers annually allege that the public display of the Nativity violates the Establishment Clause of the Constitution. In this special Faith & Freedom Lecture, Professor Wagner explains how the Supreme Court stole the meaning of Christmas – and how the Faith & Freedom Center helped restore freedom of religious conscience in our nation. Attendees receive a complimentary digital copy of Prof. Wagner’s mini-book, Christmas and the Constitution.

Thanks to generous donors like you, this event is FREE to attend. However, you must pre-register in order attend. Upon registration, you will receive a link to the event and your copy of Christmas and the Constitution.

Join us in Lansing, Monday, January 15 for LIFE: Today's Civil Rights Battle with Alevda King

On MLK Day 2024 (January 15th), we invite you to engage with the civil rights issue of our time: Life. Join us for a special talk about protecting the first and most basic civil right, the sanctity of life, with Alveda King (Niece of Martin Luther King, Jr.) and Professor William Wagner.  Registration includes lunch and the opportunity to connect with prolife leaders from across the state. You will be inspired, encouraged, and challenged with practical ways that you can make a difference for life!

The event will be held at South Church, 5250 Cornerstone Dr., Lansing, MI 48917. Doors open at 11:00 AM for lunch; Program begins at Noon.

Please pre-register to help up plan!

This event is free to attend, but we encourage all attendees to consider bringing a package of baby wipes or diapers to bless a local pregnancy center, and to consider a donation to help cover lunch.

Passionate about the Pro-Life cause? Sponsorship opportunities are avaiable. Email Katie at KBussard.SLG@gmail.com to learn more.

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