«		LEGAL/LEGISLATIVE UPDATES		»
ACROSS THE STATES

MINNESOTA

Real progress

Two years ago, many Minnesota school districts routinely demanded extensive documentation from homeschool families over and above the information required for the annual notice of intent. Anyone who dared refuse this demand was likely to be greeted with a threatened "home visit." Under Minnesota law, the only way to stop a home visit is to turn over the documentation homeschoolers must maintain.

When Minnesota homeschoolers became aware of major defects in their state's privacy laws in the summer of 2002, however, the situation began to change. Families were not so willing to turn over private educational records. School officials were informed that they could review the paperwork but could not keep a copy. In most cases, school officials dropped their demands for documentation.

As of 2004, things are significantly better in a number of the worst districts. New personnel at the Minnesota Department of Children, Families, and Learning helped school districts understand that they could not count on getting every piece of paper in every case.

Home School Legal Defense Association encourages freedom-loving families to continue to bring their districts into line with the better school districts. By standing up for liberty today, Minnesota homeschoolers can guarantee their rights tomorrow.