Del. Shawn Fluharty, D-Ohio, held up a poster of Raylee Browning, a child who died of abuse and neglect after her parents removed her from public school to homeschool her. Raylee’s bill would prevent parents from removing their child from school to homeschool if a teacher has reported them for abuse. (Perry Bennett | West Virginia Legislative Photography)
West Virginia lawmakers fought into the wee hours of the morning — and until the final minutes of this year’s session on March 14 Raylee’s Law. The bill, named after 8-year-old Raylee Browning, would have prevented parents from sending a child from public school to homeschooling if social services are investigating abuse or neglect at home.
The measure was one of the most prominent bills of the session and received bipartisan support. But it faced fierce opposition from homeschool lobbyists, parents and some Republicans who called it an attack on parents’ rights.
In episode 22 you will hear from West Virginia Watch reporter Amelia Ferrell Knisely. She has reported extensively on this topic.
You’ll also hear from the West Virginia Republican State Senator Amy Grady. She championed Raylee’s Law and worked across the aisle to try to get it passed.
She is also a fourth grade public school teacher and chair of the West Virginia Senate Education Committee.
Finally, Evening wrapping Newsletter author Danielle Gaines shares the top stories she’s seeing.
Episode produced and edited by Mallory Cheng. Music for Stories From The States, composed by David Singer.
Click Here for the full transcript.
Relevant reading from state newsrooms and partners:
- WV House members criticize Raylee’s law not being followed, Speaker Hanshaw offers no explanation (West Virginia Watch)
- ‘These children are hidden’: Deaths from child abuse spark conflict over home school rules (state border)
- CT bill draws homeschool families to Capitol in emotional hearing (CT mirror)
- Homeschool bill stalls in Illinois House, but sponsor says it’s still alive (Capital News Illinois)
Do you have questions? An episode idea? Send us an email at Podcast@statesnewsroom.com
This podcast is produced by States Newsrooma nonprofit news station that includes West Virginia Watch and is a 501c(3) charity supported by grants and a coalition of donors.
