Presidential candidate Donald Trump mentioned homeschooling for the first time at the Family Research Council’s annual Values Voter Summit last weekend. In the middle of a discussion on education and school choice, Trump said, “School choice means that parents can homeschool their children. 100%.” (You can watch the video below, with Mr. Trump’s remarks around the 17-minute mark. You can also search for “home-school” and read the full transcript here.)
While HSLDA has not endorsed any party or candidate in the 2016 Presidential election, it is encouraging to see a presidential candidate from one of the nation’s major political parties speak out in favor of homeschool freedom.
Will Mr. Trump’s plan extend government vouchers to homeschool families? Mr. Trump’s reference to homeschooling was in the middle of a speech laying out his plan to encourage school choice by offering vouchers for private and charter schools. While we have not seen the final plan, and therefore cannot address the accuracy of such concerns, HSLDA will continue to oppose any attempt by Congress or the executive branch to give government money to homeschoolers, because we believe this is outside the constitutional authority given to the federal government and government funds often carry stipulations that limit homeschoolers’ curriculum choices.
Mr. Trump’s reference to homeschooling marks the first time since the 2016 party conventions that any of the current candidates for President have spoken out about homeschool freedom. (Gary Johnson and Darrell Castle have mentioned homeschooling in the more distant past.)
We hope to see a continued and deepened discussion of the value and impact of homeschooling as we near the first round of Presidential debates and move toward Election Day.
For additional information about the various party platforms and candidate stances:
Honestly, I don’t want vouchers. Any government assistance, even if it’s just a tax break will inevitably lead to regulation. I will continue to pay usurious tax rates just to be left alone.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yup. Vouchers are strings. If we want freedom, we want to pay our own way.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Trump is the obvious homeschooling candidate. He is the obvious choice on many levels for conservatives, Christians and those who want to see America be a free country again.
LikeLike
We would never take government vouchers. What we will take are lower takes and less government.
LikeLike
While I’m glad to hear that Trump supports homeschooling, isn’t education supposed to be a “states” issue, not federal?
LikeLike
He is in favor of states’ rights. He intends to remove Common Core–the federal plan for education.
LikeLike
Trump will say anything to get elected. I can’t believe any sane person would actually vote for him, when Darrell Castle of the Constitution Party is running.
LikeLike
Dividing is just what they want us to do!! For example…..Evan McMullin!! See attached how much he got from them!! We are fighting for our Constitution!! The supreme Court needs to defend homeschoolers. That’s why the majority stands with DT and the illuminati (ie George Soros) oppose him. Step by step it is being exposed. They will rig this election, just as before, if we don’t unite!! A split conservative vote has been tested in the past and it brought us to where we are today!!
http://i1.wp.com/fellowshipofminds.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/clinton-foundation-invoice.jpg?ssl=1
LikeLike
Gary Johnson spoke out publicly in support of homeschooling at a rally in NH just a couple weeks ago.
LikeLike
The less govt. Is involved in our homeschooling lives, the better it is for us.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Sister Patriot and commented:
“School choice means that parents can homeschool their children. 100%.” –Donald J Trump
LikeLike
We should have the freedom to do homeschooling. It’s important for all children to get a good education whether it’s a charter school or any other type of school.
LikeLike
I don’t think this was the first time Trump showed support for homeschooling.
LikeLike
Government money comes with government strings. No on vouchers for homeschool.
LikeLike
I wouldn’t mind a deduction on my taxes for ‘education expenses.’ That would be nice!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am okay with the option of vouchers. I pay taxes so why can’t we get a break?!? His proposal is how our homeschool program works in California. And it’s great. And we do a lot of our own curriculum. If Hillary wins, she will mandate so much and then welcome to North Korea!!
LikeLike
While ‘choice’ and freedom sound good in the context of schools and education, it is the bait. Education was state authority, the government took it away, regulated it, and now turned into a campaign plank, as a good thing. “We will sell back your rights of freedom, choice and what you perceive as control, for a small price. However, gov gets to approve or disapprove of what is in the program you choose.” “that’s fair, isnt it?”
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Smiles and Sundays.
LikeLike
My son tried to do some research on the positions. He had a hard time supporting either. https://homeschoolbase.com/hillary-versus-trump-homeschooling/
LikeLike
This is inaccurate: “mentioned homeschooling for the first time.” He has brought up Common Core, school choice & homeschooling all year long, and it was item #22 in his 28 First 100 Days points. (http://www.breitbart.com/2016-presidential-race/2016/10/22/donald-trump-contract-american-voter-100-days-5338007/)
LikeLike
Evan McMullin is a homeschool supporter and advocate.
LikeLike