Legal / Legislative Updates

Homeschool Grad Hired As EMT After Brief Struggle

After graduating from high school via homeschooling, John Seton (name changed to protect family’s privacy) attended community college for two years before going to work as an emergency medical technician (EMT) in Fairfax County. He subsequently went through a hiring agency to apply for a job as an EMT at Kennywood Amusement Park near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Although John explained that he had graduated from high school via homeschooling, the hiring agency told him he did not qualify for the job because he lacked a high school diploma or GED.

John’s family called Home School Legal Defense Association for help, and Staff Attorney Scott Woodruff placed several calls to the hiring agency. Although he did not reach the employee he intended to speak with, he left messages expressing his concerns about the agency’s treatment of John.

The voice messages were effective. Before Woodruff was able to reach the agency employee again, the agency reversed course and informed John that the amusement park would hire him.

— by Scott A. Woodruff