In light of this newspaper's Feb. 7 opinion, it becomes necessary to disabuse the readers concerning a number of misconceptions, misapplications and misinterpretations of state statute, and the inalienable rights of the parents in this state and the United States.

It was stated that in Utah, little is asked of home-educated students. That is almost exactly as it should be. That is a natural result of two realities. First, we all are the parents of our children, regardless of whether we home-educate or not, and we have every right and associated responsibility, granted and assigned to us by God to see to the proper upbringing of those children we bring into this world. And, under the Constitution of these United States, we also have the right, within the boundaries of law, to determine what constitutes a proper upbringing. The second reality is, under statute, parents have every right to withdraw their children from public schools and choose other methods of educating them, whether that be private school, home-education or otherwise. That act is the only issue that the state legally has any concern with. When a parent notifies the school district of their intention to withdraw children from the system, the school district/state are officially relieved of any culpability for the education of that child. It is the end of their involvement. The parents have legally assumed the entire responsibility for that. Thus, the state moves past legal boundaries if it attempts or assumes any further role, unless parental neglect of those responsibilities is legally demonstrated. This is the area that is most problematic. All the districts do differently, even though the policy of the state board is plain and simple. This results in far too much chaos and wasted time and money. SB59 will simply free everyone up to take care of educating the children.

It was stated that "children receiving a good education and becoming productive citizens was the greater societal concern." I would most sincerely suggest that any serious study or comparison of the two communities has quickly shown little or no cause for concern in the home-education community. On the other hand, more than 20 percent of high school graduates nationally cannot read their own diploma. The business world laments the inability of high school graduates to do simple math, run a cash register, speak properly or write properly. Violence in schools is escalating off the chart, as are many other areas of difficulty. It would seem to us that the public school community requires plenty enough concern from society. We will be fine.

It was also incorrectly stated that the school districts must check on children, outside their legal responsibility, to ensure that neglect and exploitation do not occur. Firstly, it is not their responsibility to do anything of the sort. That responsibility belongs to parents, and in the event that they fail, then to the law enforcement and judicial entities empowered to do so. Heaven help us, if we as a free people, ever abdicate these responsibilities or allow other entities to incorrectly assume these rights. Secondly, the school districts cannot and have not ensured that neglect and exploitation have not occurred within their own public school community, so why would anyone seriously suggest that they try this in our case? This idea is in direct contradiction to the principles we supposedly espouse. To assume that an entire community of folks need be monitored is not in line with the principles our forefathers died to establish. It is to be assumed that we are law-abiding citizens, unless proven otherwise. Remember? We talk of freedom and then suggest that some governmental agency ensure that we all have it?

Folks, we need to wake up. Our children are our (the parent's) responsibility. It has always been so, and will always be so. We in the home education community have sincerely and knowingly taken that responsibility upon our shoulders. While we are not perfect, we have been far above the average in our accomplishments. Our children are doing very well. We only wish to be free from unnecessary and illegal encumbrance. Please allow us our freedom and rights. We have not — and will not — disappoint.

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Jon Yarrington is president of the Utah Home School Education Association. He speaks here on behalf of the entire association.