The House of Representatives has approved H.R. 6392, the Home School Graduation Recognition Act, a bill that aims to provide equal recognition for homeschooled graduates in the college application process. The legislation was announced by Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI) following its passage.
Chairman Walberg commented on the issue faced by homeschool graduates: “Home school graduates are high school graduates. Yet for too long, homeschoolers have been treated as second-rate in the college application process,” said Chairman Walberg. “Home schooling is becoming increasingly popular among American families—in fact, homeschooled students often outperform traditional public-school students. Yet despite their success, a lack of legal clarity drives many colleges to subject homeschooled students to needless exams that create confusion for families. The Home School Graduation Recognition Act clearly defines homeschooled students as high school graduates and promotes their access to higher education, and I thank Rep. Harris for fighting to recognize the hard work and success of homeschooled students.”
Rep. Mark Harris (R-NC), who authored the bill, emphasized its purpose: “A diploma is a diploma, whether it was earned in a classroom or at the kitchen table. Homeschooled graduates deserve equal recognition and equal opportunity when applying for federal financial aid during the college application process. My bill, the Homeschool Graduation Recognition Act has passed the House, bringing us one step closer to ending discrimination against homeschool students. I urge the Senate to pass this bill and send it to the President’s desk. This is about fairness and equal opportunity for every student pursuing higher education,” said Rep. Harris.
The act removes language from current law that refers to home schoolers as “students who are not high school graduates.” It also clarifies that those who complete homeschooling according to state law are considered high school graduates when applying for federal student aid.
The House Education and Workforce Committee oversees federal programs related to education, labor, health, and workforce development and shapes policies affecting areas such as student loans and worker protections.
The committee operates within Congress with authority over educational and labor matters (source).
