Capitol News

Senator Joseph Bellino has introduced a bill in the Michigan Senate aimed at allowing homeschooled students to participate in extracurricular activities at their local public schools.

“This is about fairness and opportunity,” said Bellino, R-Monroe. “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.”

Currently, public school districts in Michigan can restrict or prohibit homeschooled students from joining athletic teams and other extracurriculars. The Michigan High School Athletic Association requires that homeschooled students enroll in at least two-thirds of a full course load at the public school if they want to compete.

Senate Bill 589 seeks to change this by preventing district boards from barring homeschooled students from participating in activities such as sports, theater productions, band, orchestra, musical programs, and debate teams.

Under the proposed legislation, eligibility would be limited to those who live within the boundaries of the school district or intermediate school district offering the activity.