«		LEGAL/LEGISLATIVE UPDATES		»
ACROSS THE STATES

NEW JERSEY

Rally a success

On May 24, 2004, 1,600 or more homeschoolers gathered on the steps of the New Jersey State House to speak out for freedom and against Assemblywoman Loretta Weinberg's bill, A1918.

Mothers, fathers, young adults, children, and babies in strollers formed a large, colorful, enthusiastic crowd. Dozens held large signs carrying such slogans as "Profiling homeschoolers is not okay," "I give homeschooling an A+," and "Homeschoolers have civil rights, too." Some gathered under the large nearby shade trees; others covered the sunny plaza in front of the statehouse and spilled into the street, where mounted officers patrolled on horseback.

Homeschoolers in attendance were addressed by numerous lawmakers (including U.S. Congressman Scott Garrett) and members of the New Jersey Homeschool Task Force, the tightly focused but loosely structured group of homeschool leaders that planned and organized the rally. Home School Legal Defense Association Attorney Scott Woodruff also spoke to the crowd about some of the many recent legislative victories homeschoolers have won in other states. Speaker after speaker defended the cause of freedom and denounced A1918 as a senseless power grab and a distraction from the real problem, which is the untamed Division of Youth and Family Services beast. The cheers and shouts of the crowd could be heard for blocks. We came to be heard, and we were!

The rally prompted many television and newspaper reports. Our presence was felt in Trenton and across the state. Thank you for coming and making a dramatic statement in defense of freedom!

For those who were not able to attend the rally, you may have a second chance soon. The Assembly Education Committee may hold a public hearing on the bill this fall—an event that justifies every homeschooler in the state coming to Trenton.

Thank you for standing with us for freedom!

— by Scott A. Woodruff