Political Quotes

“One of the most treasured privileges of parents living in the United States is the freedom to choose the means to best educate their children. For many families, including my own, that choice is home schooling. Unfortunately, for many parents living in countries where freedom of choice and expression is supposedly valued, home schooling can entail punitive fines, jail time, and even seizure of their children. The Romeike family fled Germany after facing persecution for home schooling their six children and were granted asylum here in the United States. Now the Romeikes face deportation unless they are granted a hearing before the full Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and receive a favorable decision. Mr. Speaker, no parent should be faced with imprisonment, fines, or removal of their children simply for choosing to educate their children at home. I call on the Obama administration to persuade Germany to respect international human rights law that recognizes the authority of parents to direct their children's education. I also call on the administration to grant asylum to the Romeikes so they can be afforded the privilege our country offers to educate their children freely in the manner they choose. ____________________”