Senator Gordon Defends Parental Rights Amid Proposed Homeschooling Mandates

HARTFORD, CT – Sen. Gordon (R-Woodstock) today strongly criticized proposed legislative efforts to impose new, unnecessary regulations on homeschooling families in Connecticut, calling the measures “an overreach of state power that punishes good parents for the failures of state institutions.”

The proposal, discussed in an informational hearing at the State Capitol, would require new government-mandated reporting for families who homeschool their children, without holding a formal public hearing on the issue or offering meaningful opportunities for parental input.

Sen. Gordon emphasized his long-standing support for parents’ rights and educational freedom.

“I have long been an advocate for protecting parental choice when it comes to homeschooling, and this is no different. Parents, not the state, should have the final say in how their children are educated,” Sen. Gordon said. “The tragic event in Waterbury with a child held 20 years hostage by his family in his own home was the result of systemic failures by the state of Connecticut, not the result of homeschooling. To respond by targeting the 40,000 law-abiding families who successfully educate their children at home is misguided, unjust, and unfair.”

Sen. Gordon condemned the move by majority Democrats to consider inserting these mandates into the state budget implementer bill, bypassing the usual public hearing process.
“I have the immense pleasure of having many families who choose to homeschool their children. Homeschooling in Connecticut is working. Families are choosing personalized, flexible education that meets the needs of their children, and they’re seeing excellent results,” Gordon said. “These parents are doing what’s best for their families. The state should not interfere in what is clearly a successful, safe, and legal educational path.”

The Senator also noted the burden new mandates would place on both parents and already-overwhelmed school districts.

“Our public schools are already struggling to keep up with state reporting requirements,” Gordon said. “Adding thousands of homeschoolers to the reporting system makes no sense. The state should be focused on fixing what’s broken with its own affairs and not micromanaging what’s working.”

Sen. Gordon reaffirmed his commitment to protecting family autonomy and educational choice in Connecticut.

“This is not just about homeschooling. It’s about the rights of families to make decisions for their own children without unnecessary government interference,” he said. “I will continue to stand up for those rights.”