• Not Allowed? - Feb. 6, 2006

I was reading through artciles from the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). and one article in particular caught my eye. It was about Oprah's latest "contest".  Homeschoolers aren't allowed to participate in Oprah's essay contest. I was really surprised at first but given Oprah's track record with homeschooling I should have known better.

According to the contest rules "Contest open to all legal residents of the U.S. who are currently enrolled full-time (and in good standing) in a public or state-accredited private or parochial school, grades 9-12," states the fine print on the offical entry form.

Given that I live in Chicago, Oprah is a big deal around town. My friend and roommate at the time Julie, a fellow homeschooled individual went on one of her shows dealing with homeschooling. Julie was very disappointed with the way homeschoolers were protrayed by Oprah and the guest that Oprah had on the show.

Now Oprah has the right to choose whomever she wishes for her contests. Yet, the fact remains that everywhere else this contest is preported to be "open to all high school students in America." Homeschooling has grown exponetially since I was in school. During college the percentage of kids coming to college from a homeschool enviroment rose over three precent. Oprah might personally disagree with homeschooling as a valid form of education, but she can not argue that the phrase "open to all high school students in America" should include ALL high school students in America. To not allow them to participate is a form of discrimination, something I would believe Oprah would be firmly against.

Feb. 6, 2006 - essay contest...

Feb. 6, 2006 - Had no idea!

Feb. 6, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Feb. 6, 2006 - I agree!