If you live in Germany, you just might have to serve prison time for homeschooling your kids. Currently, Germany does not tolerate homeschooling for any reason, citing laws dating to the glorious 30s (a.k.a. Hitler). Even foreigners living in Germany temporarily, such as US military families stationed in Germany, are not supposed to homeschool.
HSLDA updates us this week on the plight of two homeschooling families in Germany.
"The Gorber family personally experienced the raw power of the German government when six of their children were viciously seized by the Jugendamt and taken without parental knowledge or consent in January of this year. The Gorbers are longtime homeschoolers." HSLDA
In this case there is good news & bad news. The good news is the Jugendamt decided to release the Gorber children to the custody of their parents pending a family court hearing on September 25. They can live at home but must attend a public school.
In another case the parents have been sentenced to 90 days in prison each for homeschooling. The family reports local school officials have initiated a new set of criminal charges against them for homeschooling.
It is worth asking could that happen here?
It is by the grace of God the eleven Christians arrested in Philadelphia for the "hate crime" of sharing the Gospel at a homosexual event a few years ago did not actually go to prison for the incredible 47 years they faced. Even though video of the events clearly showed the Christians were not violent, Philadelphia police & officials insisted on interpreting their every move as hostile. Four of the defendants were charged with ethnic intimidation & rioting — among other things.
What does that have to do with homeschooling?
It shows things we don't believe could ever happen here are already happening. If people can't be sure they have First Amendment rights on a public street, how can parents be sure they have the right to teach their children at home, privately & away from Big Brother's watchful eye?
This is a germ of the same idea that has resulted in the prosecution of these German parents. While this is not likely to happen in the United States any time soon, it is definitely something to think about.
Would YOU be willing to serve 90 days in prison for homeschooling?
Susan keeps us up to date on news & legal issues affecting homeschoolers. You can read her whole article about this issue HERE.
Susan Critelli is a veteran homeschooling Mom of 2 great kids and a successful Home Schooling entrepreneur. She blogs regularly at Mixing Home Business & Homeschooling and is a regular contributor at Moms In the Right.
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in austria there is the same situation, i would love to homeschool my kids.