Detroit City Wire

Sen. Joseph Bellino has introduced new legislation in Lansing that would permit homeschooled students to participate in extracurricular activities at their local public schools. Currently, Michigan law allows school districts to restrict or ban homeschooled students from joining athletic teams and other programs governed by the Michigan High School Athletic Association. The association's current policy requires homeschooled students to enroll in at least 66% of a full course load at the school where they wish to compete.

Bellino explained his motivation for introducing Senate Bill 589: “This is about fairness and opportunity,” he said. “Michigan parents have the right to have their children educated in the manner that they wish. At the same time, as taxpaying citizens of their local public school, their children should be able to participate in the extracurricular activities through the school that utilizes their taxes. This bill would ensure these extracurricular options are available to all students in our state.”

If enacted, Senate Bill 589 would prevent school district boards from prohibiting homeschooled students from taking part in extracurricular activities offered by schools within those districts. The range of covered activities includes interscholastic athletics, theater or drama productions, band, orchestra and other musical programs, as well as debate teams.

The bill stipulates that only homeschooled students who reside within the relevant school district or intermediate school district would be eligible to participate.