Our children do not belong to the government. Yet, parents’ decisions about their children are increasingly scrutinized and overruled by government agencies. I support parents’ rights to obtain and/or refuse medical treatment including vaccinations. I support parents’ rights to provide any educational setting they know to be most appropriate for their children. I support parents’ rights to participate in religious organizations and assemblies and to have their children attend, too. I believe the sanctity of the home and the family must be respected by all governmental agencies.
School reform starts by shifting control over education from government to parents. We must eliminate federal grants and regulations and begin moving power back to the states and local communities. States should consider tax credits or deductions for parents who home school or send their children to private schools. Public schools should be managed locally, increasing accountability and parental involvement.
The bottom line is the Constitution does not authorize the federal government to make decisions about education. These decisions should be left to state and local government.
