Blog 9: Outcry over Sweden's Persecution of Homeschoolers Grows

            There continues to be unrest over the homeschooling policy that Sweden has in place.  Homeschooling is prohibited in Sweden because the government wants everyone to have high quality instruction by highly qualified teachers.  Schools in Sweden should teach a curriculum that is comprehensive and objective and they value equality.  Sweden is no longer considered a social utopia.  Swedish law prohibits homeschooling; this is the first Western country since Nazi Germany to prohibit homeschooling.  Many families that choose to homeschool their children are fleeing to escape persecution.  The structure of an overbearing government is reminiscent of the Soviet Union.  Homeschooling allows for parents to teach their children what they believe.  Jews and Christians around the world are in an uproar over this issue.  The Swedish government is already facing a lot of criticism from human rights groups because a seven year old boy leaving the country was kidnapped.  This family and child’s life has been ruined because of a mistake on the government’s behalf.  A letter writing campaign has started asking for Sweden to respect the treaties and the rights of individuals with regards to the persecution.    

            All of the unrest about the homeschooling policy I can only imagine would create a system that is unhealthy for learning.  Children have to flee their homes with their families in order to obtain an education.  While Sweden does provide public education, this education is very structured and highly influenced by the government.  Homeschooling should be a right to children and their families.  While I do not believe that homeschooling is right for everyone, I do believe it can be beneficial and provide the student with a great basis of knowledge and education.  With homeschooling, students would be able to focus more on their interests.  Families and most of all children should be able to choose and have the right to the type of education they receive.  It is absolutely absurd that homeschooling families are being persecuted because of their choice in schooling and how to educate their children. 

http://www.thenewamerican.com/world-mainmenu-26/europe-mainmenu-35/11283-outcry-over-swedens-persecution-of-homeschoolers-grows