Rep. Price offered the following concurrent resolution:

            House Concurrent Resolution No. 12.

            A concurrent resolution to confirm and support the right of Michigan parents to homeschool their children with no interference from the state.

            Whereas, Article VIII, Section 1 of the Constitution of the State of Michigan of 1963 states "Religion, morality and knowledge being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged"; and

Whereas, In support of education, Michigan law recognizes the rights of parents to take responsibility for their child's education and welfare without retribution from the state. Under Michigan statute, "it is the natural, fundamental right of parents and legal guardians to determine and direct care, teaching and education of their children"; and

            Whereas, Homeschooling, or parent-led home-based education, is a time-tested traditional education practice and one of the fastest growing forms of education in the United States. Homeschooled children do well on standardized tests, are welcomed at colleges and universities, and have a reputation for being self-directed learners, reliable employees, and contributors to civil society; and

            Whereas, Homeschooling can be challenging but provides many advantages to children and families who participate, including educational freedom to learn at an individual pace, as well as emotional freedom from bullying, adolescent trends, and dangerous experimentation often present in traditional schools. Homeschool families often enjoy closer family relationships, happier children, and the freedom to set their own schedule according to their personal needs; and

Whereas, Homeschooling is an important piece of the Michigan educational landscape available to parents for the education and care of their children. Michigan law provides that a child is not required to attend school if he or she is being educated at home in reading, spelling, mathematics, science, history, civics, literature, writing, and English grammar; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That we confirm and support the ultimate right of parents to opt their children out of public school, and any public school activity, practice, or testing they find unacceptable, to provide an education in accordance with their values, beliefs, and conscience with no interference from the state.