By Carolyn Martin, CHEC Director of Government Relations
The march toward more government programs, government control over our families and livelihoods, and restrictions on our inalienable rights has begun. Last year was bad enough, but despite this being an election year, those who run our government have not finished implementing their complete transformation of our beautiful state. And so it begins again: today is the first day of the 2024 legislative session.
Parental Rights & Religious Freedom Relinquished to Government Control
Parents have relinquished their rights in exchange for the rights of the child. Special rights, ostensibly granted to oppressed groups, have overshadowed religious liberty. What about homeschooling? So far, we have kept the dam from breaking on our freedom to educate our children how we see fit. Yet, there is much opposition coming from many directions. State alphabet soup agencies, departments, and boards. School choice and anti-homeschool advocates. Local school officials and boards. Legislators on both sides of the aisle.
Stand With Us
There is no way I can withstand them alone. I rely greatly on God’s help to see and understand these attacks. But each of you also plays an integral part. First and foremost, this is a spiritual battle. God’s enemies hate what He has created – especially children, the family, and the church. Homeschooling is a lifeboat for the preservation of our families and our faith. You must stay true to His call to raise your families in the admonition of the Lord, or everything you do is meaningless. Pray to God for His protection and provision for me and every homeschooling family in this state.
Commit to Stay Informed and Engaged!
Unfortunately, I foresee many liberties being taken away from us this year. Let us ensure that the ability to homeschool without government control is not one of them! We have experienced God’s faithfulness since the enactment of the homeschool law thirty-five years ago. As we ask the Lord to show us what it means to be eternally vigilant and how to safeguard what He has given us, it will require sacrifice from each of us.
“The price of liberty is vigilance.” – Author Unknown
Will you sacrifice some time to stay informed and engaged during this legislative session?
- Join the Colorado Homeschool Freedom Team (HSFT) and the Facebook group.
- Share my weekly prayer emails (including a list of bills following and action items) and legislative blog posts with your group of friends.
- For a more in-depth understanding of legislation and the legislature, join the Legislative District Connection (LDC), which meets virtually once a month.
- Register and participate in Meet Your Legislator Day (MYLD) on Thursday, February 15th.
- Register and attend CHEC’s 30th Homeschool Day at the Capitol (DAC) on Thursday, April 11th.
- Watch for CHEC’s action alert emails and take action when needed!
Attend CHEC’s Meet Your Legislator Day – February 15th!
Read the original CHEC article.
If you can do more, please contact me!
Carolyn Martin serves as CHEC’s Director of Government Relations, working for you and other liberty-loving families to protect homeschool freedom, parental rights, and religious liberty at the state capitol. Subscribe to the CHEC blog for Carolyn’s regular updates, learn more about legal issues in Colorado, and support Homeschool Freedom. Contact Carolyn directly at carolyn@chec.org.