John Doolittle: “I rise today in strong support of the Armey amendment to H.R. 6--the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The purpose…”

“I rise today in strong support of the Armey amendment to H.R. 6--the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The purpose of this important amendment is to explicitly state that the Federal Government has no control over any aspect of any private, religious, or home school that does not receive funds under the act. This amendment is needed in order to protect the rights of private, religious, and home schools. First of all, I would like to express my appreciation for the hundreds of calls my office received on behalf of home schoolers, and parents who choose the form of education best suited for their children. This is a freedom that must be protected. The Federal Government must realize that it is the parents who know what's best for their children. Also, local school districts should be trusted to make decisions regarding education reforms. They know to base these reforms on the desires and special needs of the individual community. Although I supported the Ford amendment to H.R. 6 which concisely states that 'nothing in this act shall be construed to affect home schools,' It does not go far enough. It does not even mention private schools, and it does not cover all home schools. In 16 States, including my home State of California, home schools are defined as private schools.”