Sen. Sampson Defends Homeschool Freedom in CT

Sampson: “Homeschool families deserve support—not suspicion, surveillance, or bureaucratic obstacles.”

HARTFORD – Senior Deputy Senate Republican Leader Rob Sampson (R-Wolcott) stood with Senate and House Republicans along with dozens of parents and advocates yesterday, May 5, to defend homeschooling freedoms for families across the state. This defense came as majority Democrats push to expand government oversight and punish parents for the failures of state institutions like the Department of Social Services.

The Democratic recommendations are based on a report from the Office of the Child Advocate, and were outlined at an informational hearing at the State Capitol on May 5. The recommendations include new, invasive government mandates on reporting requirements for homeschool families—despite the absence of a formal public hearing to allow parental input.

Sen. Sampson said, “This issue is about abuse, not homeschooling. A young man was tragically held captive for two decades in Waterbury, and this abhorrent act is not a homeschooling failure—it was a criminal act of abuse and imprisonment.

“Now, majority Democrats are using this isolated case as a pretense to attack the freedoms of responsible, law-abiding families. This ‘informational hearing’ is the first step to advance a broader progressive agenda to control homeschooling through excessive mandates. Parents have a fundamental right to direct their children’s education without government overreach. Homeschool families deserve support—not suspicion, surveillance, or bureaucratic obstacles.

“I will stand with homeschooling families in every town across Connecticut. If legislative Democrats try to use this tragedy to restrict educational freedom, they will face strong opposition. Let’s focus on punishing actual abusers and not freedom-loving parents.”