It seems that many of our legislators have forgotten their duty and their jurisdiction.  When homeschoolers bring up concerns regarding the ESFA legislation, they keep telling us that the legislation will not affect us.  When we point out the doors that are being opened in the legislation which could lead to infringement upon our freedom to homeschool according to our convictions, they tell us that we will just have to make sure the “right” people get elected each year.   Additionally, when we give them language by which they could shore up protection for our future, they refuse.  “No need,” they say.  “Not our job,” they reprimand.

Many in the capitol seem to have forgotten that they are the branch closest to the people- to be the most able to respond to their needs.  Despite being the “branch of the people”, most legislators, in this instance, are willing to open doors which may one day lead to the infringement of our freedom while rejecting legislative language that offers protection against those dangers.  They simply dismiss our concerns saying that it is someone else’s job to worry about the future freedoms of families in Tennessee.  I ask, “If they do not care for future freedoms and protect us, then who will?”

Please reach out to your representative and senator in regard to HB 1183 and SB 503, sister bills going through legislative committees.  It is within the contexts of discussing these two bills with our legislators that their forgetfulness has become evident.  Remind them that they have a sworn duty to uphold principles of freedom while working within the boundaries of the Tennessee Constitution.  Tell them you expect them to limit their power to the jurisdictions within which they have been given authority.  In the Tennessee Constitution Article XI Section 12 it reads, “The General Assembly shall provide for the maintenance, support and eligibility standards of a system of free public schools (emphasis mine).”  They are not delegated authority over the private sphere where liberty from state interference should be carefully guarded.  Respectfully but firmly remind them that homeschool families and private school families expect them to make laws that promote freedom rather than imperil it for generations to come.