Spunky Homeschool

I'm Not Offended, Are you?

Feb. 2, 2006 at 10:07 AM

Homeschooling

According to WorldNet Daily Oprah Winfrey is hosting an essay contest on the book Night. The rules say,
"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,"
According to a letter announcing the contest Winfrey says the contest is open to
"high school students across America"
Homeschool Legal Defense Association President, Micheal Smith, is upset that she excluded homeschoolers. He wrote an open letter to Oprah asking her to reconsider. They were rebuffed.

I am disappointed that Oprah did not include homeschoolers. However, I am not offended by it. It's her company she can have who she wants enter. HSLDA is free to petititon the company to reconsider but must accept the fact that as a private citizen, Oprah is allowed to host a contest that excludes homeschoolers. It doesn't say ALL high school students across America.
It is NOT discrimination when a private citizen decides to hold a contest for only certain individuals (with exceptions for those protected by law, ie. race, religion, etc.). I excluded public school bloggers in the homeschool blog awards. There are some excellent mom bloggers out there who don't homeschool but they were not considered even though they were nominated.

HSLDA as an organization has qualifications for membership. One is that they do 50% of the teaching. That by its nature is exclusionary. But it has a purpose that serves the goals of HSLDA. Further to join, homeschoolers must agree to use a "clearly organized program of study" or forgo membership. Again, that eliminates a whole subgroup of homeschoolers. I am not criticizng HSLDA for their choices. Their organization has a purpose that requires these qualifications.

It is her contest let her run it her way. It's her money let her spend it the way she wants. This is American the land of the free and the home of the brave. I think she is wrong to exclude some of our nation's brightest students in her contest. But in American we have the liberty to be wrong.
A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense. Proverbs 19:11
I think this is one offense worth overlooking.

Read others viewpoints: Steve Walden

9 Comments and Trackbacks

posted by Dell on Feb. 2, 2006 at 10:39 AM

I too failed to see it as a big deal. Honestly, it would be nice if she had included homeschoolers, but, she can run it as she chooses, and it really doesn't infringe on our rights. In fact, we homeschoolers have LOTS of contests that are ONLY for homeschoolers.

I've never watched Opera, and am in no way a fan. I AM an appreciative member of HSLDA.

It is too bad that lots of people don't understand and accept homeschooling, and I'm glad HSLDA wrote to suggest she include homeschoolers. It at least brought to her attention the omission. I appreciate them stepping out and letting people know that homeschooling is an educational option. Often when aproached by HSLDA, companies say, "OH! Yes, thank you for reminding us. We'll include homeschoolers gladly!" I believe the Pizza Hut book-it is such a contest. But Opera declined to change the contest, I'm fine with just shrugging my shoulders, and saying, "Oh well."

Good thoughts Spunky.

posted by Mrs. Happy Housewife on Feb. 2, 2006 at 12:51 PM

I admit my knee-jerk reaction was indignation and ruffled feathers. However, your logic sure calmed me down. I agree that private citizens have the right to make their own rules. Private groups and companies should have that right as well. Too often, though, the law infringes on private rights by requiring false equality.

posted by jacobsacademy on Feb. 2, 2006 at 4:41 PM

Agreed, Spunky. Excellent point. We, as homeschoolers, need to be careful - looking to claim exclusion, etc., etc.

I am not a follower of Oprah guru-ism - so, quite frankly, why should I care?

Harriette

posted by hippiechyck on Feb. 2, 2006 at 5:02 PM

who needs Oprah anyhow? ;-)

posted by Jedi4sweet on Feb. 3, 2006 at 7:48 PM

I feel the exact same way. Very well said!! ; )

posted by spunkyhomeschool on Feb. 5, 2006 at 7:46 PM

Scott at HSLDA has a different viewpoint that is worth reading.

www.homeschoolblogger.com/somerschool

Also, if you get a chance, read the comments at my other blog
.
with the same title. There is a comment exchange that would shed some light on why HSLDA thinks it is important for Oprah to pay attention to homeschoolers.

posted by homeschoolmom2 on Feb. 6, 2006 at 3:43 PM

Is there anyone who can tell me more about the pizza hut book it and other contests for homeschooled students or where to look? Thanks.

posted by spunkyhomeschool on Feb. 6, 2006 at 5:19 PM

http://www.bookitprogram.com/

Check out the link I gave above. It is probably too late for this year but maybe next year.

posted by homeschoolmom2 on Feb. 6, 2006 at 7:24 PM

Thanks I'll look into it.

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