California’s War on Homeschooling: AB 84 Threatens the Future of Education
California’s latest attack on parental choice comes in the form of Assembly Bill 84, a draconian measure that jeopardizes funding for vital enrichment programs and threatens the very existence of charter schools across the state. This bill is not just a regulation; it’s an assault on the freedom of families who have chosen to homeschool their children.
Introduced by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, a Democrat from Los Angeles, AB 84 claims to enhance oversight and accountability for charter schools, particularly focusing on non-classroom-based programs. Yet, behind this facade of increased accountability lies a blatant disregard for the diverse learning needs of students and families. Muratsuchi references past fraud cases as justification, but it is clear that this bill’s punitive approach punishes honest families and educators while failing to address the core issues.
The bill proposes slashing funding for non-classroom-based charter schools by as much as 30 percent and imposes stringent restrictions on public funds for enrichment activities unless providers possess traditional teaching credentials. This excessive regulation will effectively eliminate access to specialized programs and local vendors who serve our children, jeopardizing the unique educational experiences that families have built.
Vendors are ringing the alarm. Derek Davis, a boxing coach whose livelihood hinges on providing lessons through charter schools, warns that the bill could decimate his business by 50 to 75 percent. These aren’t just numbers; they represent real consequences for families relying on diverse educational options. Davis effectively stated what many are thinking: “This bill is going to really affect me negatively.”
At stake are the opportunities for students—individualized enrichment activities like horseback riding, music lessons, and STEM programs that foster personal growth and social skills. The bill will dismantle the ecosystem of educational options that has empowered California’s homeschooling families to tailor learning to their children’s unique interests and talents.
California leads the nation in homeschooling, with over half a million students opting out of traditional education. This choice thrives due to the state’s low regulation on homeschooling and the flexibility afforded by charter schools. AB 84 threatens to undermine these gains, pushing families back into a one-size-fits-all education model.
Opposition to AB 84 has been galvanized by grassroots activists like the Freedom Angels, who rightfully assert that this legislation does not just impact funding; it fundamentally undermines the choice parents have fought hard for. As organizer Tara Thornton puts it, “When you attack one critical part of it, it weakens and damages the entire ecosystem.”
Mom and activist Stephanie Dawson sums it up perfectly, highlighting how this bill would rob children of their right to a tailored education. Her own family has benefited from enrichment programs that cost around $2,000 annually—an expense they could no longer afford without charter funding. Dawson’s concerns resonate widely: “This bill would make it so that these charter schools can’t function.”
AB 84 is not merely a bureaucratic maneuver; it represents a dangerous escalation in efforts to centralize control over education, limiting parents’ rights and erasing valuable community resources. We must stand firm against this legislation that threatens the very future of educational choice in California.
As the bill progresses through the legislative process—having already passed the Assembly—we must rally together to protect our families, our students, and our rights. The educational landscape in California is at a crossroads, and we cannot afford to let this critical moment slip away. Engaging in rallies, contacting representatives, and standing up for our freedoms is crucial.
Americans deserve the autonomy to choose what is best for their children’s education. The future of homeschooling hangs in the balance, and now is the time to act decisively.
