Yesterday’s “working group” meeting, headed by State Representative Patrick Biggins (D-East Hartford, Manchester,) at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford was billed as a chance for Connecticut homeschool families to hear from the Department of Children and Families (DCF) regarding homeschooling. We were told the DCF Commissioner would be present to answer questions. Not only did the Commissioner fail to show and sent others in their place, but the meeting turned out to be far from what the public had been led to expect.
Legislative supporters of parental rights were also in the room, including State Representative Anne Dauphinais (R – Killingly, Plainfield, Sterling). Representative Dauphinais has been a consistent advocate for homeschool freedom, and at yesterday’s meeting she continued to question the motives behind these working groups. She openly called out those involved for their lack of transparency and pressed for accountability on why these conversations are happening behind closed doors instead of in full public view.
Most striking of all, the meeting contained zero mention of the Waterbury case — the tragic incident repeatedly cited as the alleged reason for these discussions in the first place. The fact that this so-called catalyst for action was entirely absent from the agenda raises serious questions about what this “working group” is truly working toward.
For months, the homeschool community has been reassured by certain legislators that no draft legislation exists targeting home education in Connecticut. That narrative ended last night.
FOIA Documents Change Everything
Immediately after the meeting concluded, I hosted a livestream alongside Diane Connors, President of the Connecticut Homeschool Network (CHN), and Attorney Deborah Stevenson, Founder of the National Home Education Legal Defense (NHELD). During this broadcast, Deborah released information obtained through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. Among the documents: a draft bill regulating homeschooling, proof of exactly what families have been told repeatedly did not exist. Even more concerning, the language in this draft could also impact families withdrawing their children to attend ANY other school options outside of public education, including private schools.
For those still under the illusion that this is “just about homeschoolers,” let this be the wake-up call. This is about parental choice and educational freedom in Connecticut for every family.
- Read the full FOIA release here: https://www.nheld.us/my-post
- Watch last night’s livestream reaction and FOIA breakdown here: https://www.youtube.com/live/PvlIk3u0tuc?si=JYLuVYnljo5HsB6d
A Pattern of Closed Doors and Mixed Messages
This revelation comes after months of closed-door meetings, limited public notice, and inaccessible locations without livestream capabilities — tactics that undermine public transparency. Connecticut families deserve open and honest governance, especially when policies with such broad implications are being discussed.
Adding another layer to the story: following the release of our last article and show, Representative Patrick Biggins attempted to contact me, not through the personal email I sent him months ago as a mother, homeschooler, and voting citizen, but through my business platform. Let me be clear: I did not respond. I owe no explanation to an elected official who ignored my outreach and my questions, and I will not use my platform to amplify more political spin.
Where We Go From Here
The release of these FOIA documents confirms what many of us have suspected: conversations about increased regulation have been happening for months behind the scenes. The inclusion of ALL school withdrawals in this draft bill shows the true scope of what is on the table and it’s far bigger than one segment of Connecticut families.
Parents across the state, homeschoolers, private school families, and even public school advocates, need to pay attention. This is about preserving the right to choose what is best for your child’s education without unnecessary government overreach.
Our fight is far from over, and the truth will continue to be brought to light.
Now is the time for all parents, regardless of educational choice, to pay attention, get informed, and speak out.
2 Responses
I will be your voice in Washington D.C. and I will always stand up to protect the rights of Parents over Government overreach. I will stand with the homeschool community and support your efforts to protect your children from being indoctrinated by the woke ideology of the left.