Rep. Lezlye Zupkus: Homeschooling Regulation Returns to Education Committee Agenda

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HARTFORD – State Representative Lezlye Zupkus, Ranking Member of the Education Committee, is alerting families across Connecticut that expanded regulation of homeschooling has once again been raised as a proposal for the current legislative session.

According to early discussions within the Education Committee on Wednesday, proposals aimed at increasing state oversight of homeschooling families are expected to move forward, with a public hearing likely in the coming weeks. The vote to advance the concept in the Education Committee, titled "the Provision of Equivalent Instruction in Connecticut," was along party lines, with Republicans all voting "No" to the concept.

“For years, Connecticut has respected the rights of parents to make educational decisions that best fit their children,” said Rep. Zupkus. “Homeschool families are committed, engaged, and deeply invested in their children’s success. They should not be treated as though they are doing something wrong simply because they have chosen a different path.”

Rep. Zupkus emphasized that the vast majority of families who educate their children at home do so responsibly and successfully. The concept that advanced Wednesday failed to include specifics on the proposed regulations.

"Is this about the safety of our children? Is it about their education? So far, we have received almost no details on this proposal. If it's safety, the focus needs to be on all children in the state, not just a specific group. And all families in our state need to know that because of the vague language of this concept, these regulations could impact parochial and private schools as well."

“Parents have a fundamental right to direct the upbringing and education of their children,” she said. “Expanding bureaucracy and adding new layers of regulation is not the answer. At a time when our public education system faces serious challenges, including students who cannot read, we should be focused on improving outcomes for students, not targeting families who are meeting their children’s needs outside the traditional system.”

The Education Committee is expected to hold a public hearing to allow parents, educators, and stakeholders to provide testimony.

“All homeschooling families should be very concerned. I strongly encourage homeschooling families and anyone who values parental rights to stay informed and be prepared to make their voices heard,” Zupkus added. “I will continue to stand firmly in opposition to unnecessary government overreach into the homes of Connecticut families.”

Further details about the proposal and hearing date will be shared as they become available.