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NEW MEXICO

Interscholastic access

The Jemez Mountain Home School Speech and Debate Team in Los Alamos has been fighting for the right to participate in interscholastic debates ever since it was blocked from regional competitions last spring. Journalists were quick to note how these young homeschooled debaters took their case to the court of public opinion. Elected officials paid attention, too. Senator Lee Rawson, a longtime supporter of homeschool freedom in New Mexico, spoke personally with Governor Bill Richardson and shared the tre men dous benefits of allowing homeschoolers to participate in interscholastic activities. The governor took the issue under consideration.

On October 20, 2004, Governor Richardson announced an educational initiative to allow homeschool students to participate in interscholastic activities. Education Secretary Veronica Garcia is now working with the New Mexico Activities Association (NMAA) to provide opportunities for homeschooled students to participate in athletics in public schools.

Paul Kressin, coach of the Jemez Mountain Home School Speech and Debate Team, has been invited to serve on the NMAA committee that will write new rules for full participation in public school athletics by homeschoolers. Coach Kressin is committed to making sure that homeschool participation does not open the door to state control of home education. HSLDA will be working closely with him and with the Christian Association of Parent Educators of New Mexico to protect the liberty of all homeschoolers while expanding their options.

— by Scott W. Somerville