Home schoolers plan historic conference

In two weeks Phyllis Pruitt and her two youngest sons will climb into
her 1998 Ford Windstar and drive from Long Island to Washington, D.C. —
five hours for a school field trip. In the ultimate interactive
experience, they will rally for liberty on the steps of the U.S.
Capitol, then meet their congressman inside
and lobby for home schooling issues.

Proclaim Liberty is the
event sponsored by the Home School Legal Defense Association, which expects more than 1,500 individuals to
participate in the lobbying effort on Sept. 23. They will hold a daylong
conference the following day at Constitution Hall, with a lineup of
conservative heavyweights scheduled to speak.

Mrs. Pruitt calls it a civics lesson.

“Home schooling gives us flexibility to do things in the community,”
she explained. “This gives us an opportunity to practice and learn. My
sons will learn how to greet people and express their opinions.”

The Pruitts exemplify many home schooling families: Just as they are
committed to educating their own children, so are they earnest in
advocating their issues. HSLDA President Michael Farris wants to expand
involvement by home schoolers in the legislative arena, and for them to
establish relationships with their congressmen. Proclaim Liberty
developed out of that vision.

“We were brainstorming about a way to get Capitol Hill to understand
home schooling better,” he said. “And we also wanted home schoolers to
have a long term view — to encourage long range interaction.”

Congressmen who are scheduled to speak at the conference include
Republicans Dick Armey of Texas, David McIntosh of Indiana, and
Steve Largent of Oklahoma.

“My message is to let the (home schoolers) know that there are people
in Congress who appreciate what they’re doing,” said Rep. Largent. “I
think it’s the ultimate act of sacrifice as parents. I don’t think
there’s a more important sacrifice to make.”

Presidential candidates will also campaign at Proclaim Liberty, as
Republicans Gary Bauer, Pat Buchanan,
George W. Bush and Steve Forbes will speak. Only Democratic candidates Al
Gore and Bill Bradley failed to answer HSLDA’s invitation.

Of home schooling, Forbes said, “It is a daunting undertaking, and I
think it’s great so many parents are willing to do it.”

World Magazine’s national editor Bob
Jones IV, another conference speaker, thinks the effort will “put a
face” on the average home schooling family. Jones covers the political
scene in Washington and believes legislators hold a lot of
misconceptions about those who home educate.

“I think the leaders (of HSLDA) are highly regarded on the Hill,”
said Jones. “I just think the elected officials think the rank and file
of the home schooling movement are kooky — like they are families with
14 kids who have identical clothes made out of the drapes.” Proclaim
Liberty, he said, “is a step in building credibility for home schoolers
on the Hill. Elected representatives need to see them in person. It can
only be good for them.”

Largent sees attitudes about home schooling changing in Washington,
partially as a result of their activism. “I think a lot of people viewed
people who home school like snake handlers,” he said. “Anything
different in Washington is viewed as cockeyed.” However, he said, “being
in the process helps. I think in general, it (now) has a positive
reputation.”

The primary concern of the home schooling families is that they
preserve their freedom to educate their own children. Public schools
lose federal money when parents take their children out of the system,
and the National Education Association wields great influence in
Congress. Teachers often view home schoolers as a threat to their
livelihood. Likewise, home schooling families view public education as a
threat to their liberties.

“These moms and dads who are willing to go up on the Hill and talk to
their legislators can be very effective,” said Beverly LaHaye, president
of Concerned Women for America and a
conference speaker. “The NEA is shaken by parents who pull kids out of
school. Legislators will listen to those parents.”

“If we get genuine tax reform, that will give more parents the
freedom in their lifestyle choices,” said Forbes, focusing on another
aspect of liberty. “Parents should have that freedom.”

HSLDA is expecting attendees from 40 states. One of those traveling
the furthest is Susan Beatty, executive director for the Christian Home
Educators Association of California. She is coming to support the cause,
and perhaps get some answers.

“I want to hear what our elected officials have to say about what
they are doing to stop eroding our liberties,” she said.