Del. Ohio State’s Shawn Fluharty held up a poster of Raylee Browning, a child who died of abuse and neglect after her parents took her out of public school so she could be homeschooled. Raylee’s Law prevents parents from taking their child out of school to homeschool them if a teacher reports them for abuse. (Perry Bennett | West Virginia Legislative Photography)
Stories from the States is a weekly podcast from States Newsroom that explores how government decisions impact people and communities across America through personal stories. Listen now wherever you find your podcasts.
West Virginia lawmakers fought until dawn – and the final minutes of this year’s session ended on March 14 Raylee’s Law. The bill, named after 8-year-old Raylee Browning, would prevent parents from removing their child from public school to home schooling if Social Services is investigating a case of abuse or neglect at home.
This solution, which was one of the most significant bills of this session, enjoyed support from both parties. But it was met with fierce opposition from homeschool lobbyists, parents and some Republicans, calling it an attack on parental rights.
In episode 22 you will hear West Virginia watch reporter Amelia Ferrell Knisely. She informed about this matter in detail.
You’ll also hear from the West Virginia Republican State Senator Amy Grady. She supported Raylee’s Law and worked across the aisle to try to get it passed.
She is also a fourth-grade public school teacher and chairs the West Virginia Senate Education Committee.
At last, Evening wrap newsletter writer Danielle Gaines shares the most popular stories she sees.
Episode produced and edited by Mallory Cheng. Music for Tales from the States composed by David Singer.
Crash Here for the full record.
Relevant reading from States Newsroom websites and partners:
- WV House members criticize Raylee’s overreach and Speaker Hanshaw offers no explanation (West Virginia Watch)
- ‘These children are concealed’: Child deaths caused by abuse of home school laws (status line)
- CT bill brings homeschooling families to Capitol Hill for emotional hearing (CT Mirror)
- A homeschool bill is stuck in the Illinois House, but its sponsor says the bill is still alive (Capital News Illinois)
Do you have any questions? An idea for an episode? Write to us at: podcast@statesnewsroom.com
This podcast is produced by State Newsrooma nonprofit news network that includes the Ohio Capital Journal and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.
