Kentucky
Anti-homeschool legislator defeated
On Tuesday, May 28, 2002, State Representative Barbara White Colter lost the Republican primary for the 90th district. Homeschoolers across the state breathed a collective sigh of relief.
For years, Kentucky homeschoolers have been battling a series of bills sponsored by Representative Colter and designed to increase state regulation of homeschooling. As Colter, a Republican, sponsored more and more of this harmful legislation, it became clear that her views were diametrically opposite to those of homeschool freedom and parents' rights. This year alone, she introduced two dangerous measures, and it was only through the concerted and determined efforts of Christian Home Educators of Kentucky, Kentucky Home Educators Association, and countless Kentucky homeschoolers that House Bills 54 and 725 were thwarted. During the months of February, March, and April, homeschool families and supporters made hundreds, perhaps thousands, of contacts to their representatives through phone calls, letters, and email. As a result, H.B. 54 and H.B. 725 were never even heard in the House Education Committee.
Incumbents rarely lose a race. When they are defeated, it is almost always in the general election, not the primary. In the race for the 90th district seat, Representative Colter, who had served since 1994, was defeated by a political newcomer. Even the reporters at the Lexington Herald Leader were astounded that an eight year veteran legislator would be defeated in the primary. Home School Legal Defense Association is unaware of any concerted effort to defeat her, except for a concert of prayer!
Although none of us can let down our guard at any time, HSLDA and Kentucky homeschoolers are grateful for this reprieve from the battle, however brief.
— Scott W. Somerville
