PJI-Center for Public Policy Opposes New Jersey Legislation Attacking Homeschooling Families

Trenton, NJ - Pacific Justice Institute - Center for Public Policy (PJI-CPP) today announced its strong opposition to New Jersey Assembly Bill 5825 (A5825) as a threat to the constitutional rights of parents to direct their children's upbringing and education. The bill, which imposes excessive state oversight on homeschooling families, mandates annual registration, curriculum submission, and independent third-party evaluations, is the most recent attack on homeschooling families across the country where states are increasingly taking up legislation to curtail options to public schools.

Of the many requirements contained in the bill, A5825 mandates that homeschool curricula must comply with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for K-12 education set by the New Jersey Department of Education, including subjects such as comprehensive sex education and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which may conflict with a family's moral, religious, or philosophical beliefs. No other state in the nation requires that homeschool curriculum to align with that of the public schools and A5825's mandate would significantly threaten parental rights and religious freedoms, particularly for families using faith-based curricula.

"This bill is a direct assault on the fundamental rights of parents to educate their children according to their religious beliefs and values," said Brad Dacus, president and founder of Pacific Justice Institute. "Many parents choose homeschooling to incorporate faith-based teachings, avoid secular curricula that conflict with their convictions, or tailor education to their child's unique needs. A5825's requirements would force families to conform to state standards that violate their religious freedoms."

Additionally, A5825 would require families to maintain and submit a portfolio of educational records, including samples of student work and an independent evaluation certifying "appropriate" progress, conducted by a "qualified" third party, which cannot be a parent. This annual portfolio requirement would create unnecessary administrative hurdles, especially for low-income families lacking resources to hire external evaluators-costs that could exceed hundreds or even thousands of dollars per child each year.

"Unfortunately, New Jersey's A5825 follows a disturbing pattern seen in across the country this year where lawmakers have targeted homeschooling families with arbitrary and burdensome regulations that erode family autonomy and personal choice," said Janice Lorrah, attorney and Legislative Counsel for PJI-CPP.

In a letter to the members of the Assembly Education Committee, where the bill is pending, PJI-CPP argues that A5825 violates established U.S. Supreme Court precedents, including Wisconsin v. Yoder, Pierce v. Society of Sisters, and most recently Mahmoud v. Taylor, which affirm parents' rights to guide their children's education free from undue state interference. PJI-CPP calls on New Jersey lawmakers to reject A5825 and uphold the state's tradition of respecting homeschooling as a valid educational option. PJI-CPP urges concerned parents, citizens, and faith leaders to contact their assembly members and voice opposition to this intrusive legislation.

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