Tychon blog

Homeschoolers Converge on Illinois State Capital to Oppose Registration Bill

A bill introduced to the Illinois General Assembly by Senator Ed Maloney was met with opposition during its first reading in Springfield on Tuesday. Homeschoolers from across the state of Illinois converged upon the state's capitol building to hear the initial reading of SB136,

Twitter feeds following the reading (#stopsb136) reported thousands of homeschoolers (one report said as few as 1000 while another reported the number as high as 4000) assembled in the rotunda peaceably to show opposition by their presence.

Twitter followers that were reporting during the session stated that at least three Senators made statements that homeschooling families considered insulting. Education Committee Vice-Chairperson and Assistant Majority Leader Sen. Kimberly Lightford (D-Westchester) said she likes time away from her children during the day and Sen. Iris Martinez (D-Chicago) wondered how many families are "hiding behind" home schooling but falling through the cracks. Sen. John Mulroe (D-Chicago) wondered why being required to fill out a piece of paper was a big deal.

It was reported that when Sen. Lightford asked, "How do we know where the homeschoolers are?" -- which is something SB136 would try to answer.

One regional school superintendent who supported the bill was reported by the Facebook page Stop SB136 as making a statement regarding being "concerned about homeschoolers with sinister intentions."

SB136 is an attempt to get an idea of how many homeschoolers there are within the state of Illinois and where they are located, but Illinois homeschoolers are suspicious of the motive behind the registration. Sen. Maloney, the bill's sponsor,: "What we want to know is where the homeschoolers are."

Some homeschool supporters have been concerned about Maloney's motives due to the fact that Maloney is a former public educator himself and has. These associations lead homeschoolers to question if Maloney has a bias against homeschooling due his background and relationship with teachers unions.

According to the. The website stated that there were reports that Maloney has already pulled the bill even though it is still in the state General Assembly system. Even if the bill is pulled, will it raise more questions and legal issues for Illinois homeschoolers?

The current status of SB136 in Illinois is uncertain--whether or not it has actually been withdrawn and if it has, whether it will be resubmitted with revision. Afor homeschoolers in Illinois was defeated in 1999 after Peoria State Representative Ricca Slone introduced similar legislation. After much opposition, Slone revised her legislation and eventually withdrew it. She was later voted out of office.

Tamara L. Morris is a lifelong resident of southern Illinois where she enjoys a quiet life in a rural area. After working for a local newspaper while studying journalism at a local community college, she developed a keen interest in the news and events that happen in her region and state.