? If You Thought Homeschooling was Legal in the State of Michigan, Think Again… By Kimberly Anne Makela, 5-21-99 According to the Readers Digest Great Encyclopedic Dictionary, the work “legal” is defined as “Conforming with or permitted by law; lawful”. For the past several years, homeschooling advocates in Michigan have believed that a families' right to educate their children at home is both legal and protected by law. But, have homeschooling families been lulled into a false since of security? Is the lawful right to educate ones child at home really protected by clear State statutes and are those statutes recognized by local governmental agencies? These are questions that should be on the minds of parents and educators. The real right of a parent to homeschool his or her child/children is now being challenged in a court of law. This serious challenge may affect families all over Michigan who, until now, were secure in their legal standing. The legal right to homeschool is now being brought to trial in a rural northeast county in Michigan; Alcona County. As you follow the case of a homeschooling parent on trial in Michigan, please reflect on the fact that parental right of choice to educate a child at home is being prosecuted and tried as truancy. This serious charge has been levied against one mother who is now enduring a possible criminal record. Knowing that a prosecuting attorney in Michigan is not aware of, or is willing to ignore, the legal rights of homeschooling families should be of concern to each and every one of us. Knowing that a mother stood in a Michigan courtroom in 1999, to take a stand and defend her right to educate her children, should individually sadden us. But, knowing that a child’s education may not really be the right of each parent to decide should arouse feelings of righteous indignation. Isn't the law in Michigan regarding homeschooling clear? As you review the following article, please ask yourself where you stand on the issue and what you can do to help. Return