June 10, 2002
Anti-Home School Legislator Defeated
On May 28, 2002, Kentucky State Representative Barbara White Colter lost in the Republican Primary for her district. Home schoolers across the state breathed a collective sigh of relief.
For years, home schoolers have been battling one bill after another, each one sponsored by the same legislator, and each one designed to increase state regulation of home schooling. As Representative Colter, a Republican, continually sponsored more and more of harmful legislation, it became clear that her views were diametrically opposite to those of home school freedom and parents' rights. This year alone, she introduced two dangerous bills, House Bills 54 and 725. It was only through the concerted efforts of countless Kentucky home schoolers that these bills were thwarted. Through the months of February, March, and April, home school families and supporter made hundreds, perhaps thousands, of contacts to their representatives through phone calls, letters, and e-mails. As a result, H.B. 54 and H.B. 725 never made it out of the House Education committee, and in fact, were never even heard in committee.
Incumbents rarely lose a race. When incumbents are defeated, it is almost always in the general election, not the primary. In the race for the 90th District seat, a political newcomer defeated Representative Colter, who had served since 1994. Even the reporters at the Lexington (Kentucky) Herald Leader were astounded at the defeat of an eight-year veteran legislator.
Although none of us can let down our guard at any time, the strain of battle sometimes lessens enough to catch one's breath. HSLDA and the home schoolers of Kentucky are grateful for this reprieve, however long (or short) it may be.
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