OPPOSE

Local school boards oppose legislation to allow private and home-schooled students to participate in public school activities. 

It is difficult to justify allowing those who opt out of attending public schools to retain the right as non-students to pick and choose selectively from activities they deem attractive.  Choosing non-public schooling has legitimate and common-sense consequences. 

Currently enrolled public school students are not always able to participate in the student activities they want because of space limits and competition for coveted spots. Allowing non-students to compete raises questions of fairness.  How would the “No- Pass, No-Play” rule apply?  How would administrators apply the requirement to attend school the day of an event to be eligible to participate?  How would discipline be consistent throughout the school day, between academic responsibilities and extra-curricular privileges?  Extra-curricular activities are privileges to public school students, plain and simple.

"If you want to participate, enroll."  State Superintendent of Education Dr. Joe Morton