On February 28, 2008, a California appellate court surprised the world. In the case of Re: Rachel L., they reinterpreted the state's education code and handed down a ruling that said, in effect, homeschooling is now illegal, unless the parent is a certified teacher. Well, man oh man, the news hit the wire within mere minutes. The media picked it up, everybody from the San Francisco Chronicle to FOX News ran stories. Homeschoolers from coast to coast began blogging about it, writing emails to friends, posting it to mailing lists, updating their web sites. It was a tense situation, but then it turned into a downright earthquake. A few days after the fact, HSLDA (the Home School Legal Defense Association) sent out an Alert to its members, requesting signatures on a petition they intended to send to the California Supreme Court. They wanted the Court to "depublish" the original decision so it couldn't take away your homeschooling rights. Or mine. Parents read it, panicked and forwarded the link to all corners of the globe.

I am here to say, relax. The sky is not falling. And please ignore this petition. It'll just annoy the court and it's not needed in any case. HSLDA should have checked with the folks in the know in California -- the state homeschooling organizations -- before they unilaterally stepped in and broadcast their alarmist "solution." Unfortunately, HSLDA's SOP seems to be to Leap Before Looking. I'm not a big fan. And here's the tip of the iceberg why.

Anyway, the situation is well in hand. Gov. Arnie came out with this statement, championing home educators' rights and denouncing the ruling, causing cheers and high fives across the nation. The two big state organizations, CHN (California Homeschool Network) and HSN (HomeSchool Association of California) are keeping a close eye on the situation. They also have several members who are also lawyers, working on finding solutions. In addition, Debbie Schwarzer, HSC's Legal Team Co-Chair just posted two great updates, Appellate Court Case, Please Remain Calm and the even more amazing Good News Update announcing that two of the finest law firms in the state have offered their help! Pro bono no less! (In other words -- FREE.) (WOW.)

Here are the best places to to check for updates. (These folks are much better at this stuff than I am.)

A to Z's Home's Cool
HEM Takes a Closer Look: Is It Time for California Homeschoolers to Panic?
Home Education Magazine: News and Commentary
Homefires: California Homeschool Legal Challenge

In closing, what's this got to do with us here in the adjoining western states? Everything. Nothing ever happens in a vaccuum. What you can do: Pay attention to the news. Know your homeschooling law like the back of your hand. You can't stand up for your rights if you don't know what they are.

Tags: Home School | homeschooling | legal