Date of Award

Spring 2022

Document Type

Term Paper

College

School of Unrestricted Education

Primary Advisor

Dr. Grace Veach

Abstract

In many states across America, homeschool students are welcome participants in community activities and school events. From sports, musical recitals, and band, to speech and debate, these students are embraced with open arms and allowed the opportunity to participate in events offered through their local public school. In Missouri, however, this is often not the case once a child ages out of local little leagues. The Missouri State High School Activities Association, otherwise known as MSHSAA, completely prohibits homeschool participation in these activities at the Junior High level. For those in high school, MSHSAA mandates that schools require a homeschool student to attend a minimum of at least two classes at the high school in order to be eligible. Individual school districts can, and most do, require more than two classes and often completely prohibit participation whatsoever. The Missouri legislature should take up and pass House Bill 2369, which would grant homeschoolers equal access to these activities. Rules restricting access violate the homeschool student’s due process and equal protection rights guaranteed in the United States Constitution. Homeschool families are members of the community, their tax dollars fund the public school system, and denying them the ability to try out hinders their college scholarship prospects. Allowing homeschool access by passing House Bill 2369 is the only fair solution. Missouri’s current version of this bill is a true compromise, maintaining the integrity of allowing participation, while at the same time respecting the concerns of those involved. Many states allow participation, but regulations and rules vary, so viewing Missouri’s proposed language in this context is beneficial. Claims that homeschool students would prove academically ineligible and skirt certain requirements have no sustainable basis based on the states that already allow participation. Some within the homeschool community itself claim this legislation would hamper their freedom, however, even Scott Woodruff from Home School Legal Defense Association testified that this is not the case. In summary, every common argument for and against homeschool participation is addressed, and the conclusion remains: the Missouri legislature should take up and pass House Bill 2369, which would grant homeschoolers equal access to these activities.

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