They Risked Jail to Homeschool Their Children – Safe Haven News August

This month I wanted to continue with our theme of FREEDOM by talking about a few of the brave people who paved the way for us to have that precious homeschool FREEDOM we enjoy today.

🏛️ They Risked It All: The Homeschool Pioneers Who Faced Jail for Their Beliefs

By Penney Douglas

Homeschooling is legal across the United States today—but that wasn’t always the case.

In the 1970s and 1980s, families who chose to educate their children at home were often treated like criminals. In many states, it was considered educational neglect or truancy. Brave parents were taken to court, threatened with jail time, and even told they could lose custody of their children.

This is the story of the homeschool pioneers who stood firm in their convictions and fought for the freedom we now enjoy.

👩‍⚖️ Zan Tyler — Facing Jail in South Carolina

“We were told we could go to jail for 30 days for every day our child wasn’t in school.”

In 1984, Zan Tyler and her husband Joe began homeschooling their son in Columbia, South Carolina. The state superintendent told Zan that she could be jailed for exercising her parental right to homeschool.

But the Tylers did not back down. They went to court, endured opposition from the school board and legal system, and held on to their convictions. Their battle helped pave the way for the eventual legalization of homeschooling in South Carolina. Today, Zan Tyler is a beloved author, speaker, and advocate, but her journey began with civil courage and a deep trust in God’s call on her life.

⚖️ Michael Farris — The Attorney Who Defended a Movement

“Some parents hid their children during the day so the truant officer wouldn’t find them.”

Michael Farris, a constitutional lawyer and homeschooling father, founded the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) in 1983. At the time, homeschooling was either illegal or severely restricted in most states.

He stepped in to defend families being threatened with imprisonment, fines, and the removal of their children. He recounts numerous cases where parents were forced to teach in secret, draw the curtains, and fear the knock at the door. Farris’ legal work and advocacy helped change the landscape of homeschooling nationwide.

🏚️ The Toma Family — Threatened with Losing Their Children

In Michigan, the Toma family was among many who faced intense pressure from the authorities. They were told their children would be removed from the home if they didn’t enroll them in public school.

The family stood firm in their beliefs, refusing to comply. Legal threats turned into a court battle—but they weren’t alone. With the support of HSLDA and other homeschoolers rallying around them, they helped bring about legal recognition for homeschoolers in Michigan. Their story was one of many that led to a key Michigan Supreme Court decision affirming homeschool rights.

🚔 The McDowells — Convicted in North Dakota

In the 1980s, North Dakota required homeschool parents to be certified teachers. Mark and Debbie McDowell were not certified—but they believed it was their God-given right to teach their children at home.

When they refused to comply, they were charged with truancy and convicted. Their story went public and helped catalyze reform. The McDowells’ bold stand became part of the larger fight for parental rights and educational freedom in one of the last states to legalize homeschooling.

🙏 Their Legacy, Our Freedom

These were ordinary families with extraordinary courage. They weren’t trying to start a movement—they were simply following their convictions and doing what they believed was best for their children.

Because of their bravery, we now enjoy the freedom to homeschool without fear. But we must remember that freedom is never free—it is preserved by those willing to stand up and speak out, no matter the cost.

“If we don’t remember the fight, we may not appreciate the freedom.”

✍️ Reflection Prompt for Readers:

Do you take your homeschool freedom for granted? What would you be willing to risk for your children’s future?

🔥 I got to do an interview on a radio show about the Journey of Fire my family went through.

You can read all about it in my book Refined By Fire.

But here’s a brand new take on the story recorded just last month.

✝️ Here are some verses that helped me through our Journey of Fire.
They kept me from losing my faith!

🗽Celebrate your FREEDOM to homeschool the way you want to by reading aloud to your kids. 🔔

📚 And here’s a free book list I put together for you to read with your family.

Celebrate your freedom to pray in school by getting this t-shirt for yourself and your kids!

Exciting news! Literary Adventures for Kids is gearing up for a Back-to-Homeschool Sale starting August 11th. Get ready for daily surprises on their language arts courses and workshops. Mark your calendars and set those reminders – this is one sale you won’t want to miss!

Back to Homeschool Sale

This months’ Health tip: Send your kids out to pick those dandelions in your yard! And have them make sure to get some roots. Did you know that dandelion tea has all kinds of health benefits?

1. It reduces water weightIf you’re feeling bloated, dandelion tea could provide relief because it acts as a diuretic and increases urine output. One study showed an increased urine output after two 1-cup servings of dandelion tea made from the leaves of the plant.

2. It could promote liver healthDandelion root has long been held as a “liver tonic” in folk medicine. Preliminary studies suggest this is due, in part, to its ability to increase the flow of bile.

Naturopaths believe it means that dandelion root tea could help detoxify the liver, help with skin and eye problems, and relieve symptoms of liver disease. A 2017 study suggests that polysaccharides in dandelion may indeed be beneficial to liver function.

3. It can act as a natural coffee substituteYou may be able to find this product of pre-prepared dandelion root at your local health food stores, but you can also harvest and make it from your own non-insecticide-treated, lawn-variety dandelions.

The roots of young dandelion plants are roasted to a dark brown color. Then, after steeping in hot water and straining, it can be enjoyed as a coffee substitute.

4. Similarities between dandelion and a weight loss drug?A recent Korean study suggests that dandelion could have similar effects on the body as the weight loss drug Orlistat, which works by inhibiting pancreatic lipase, an enzyme released during digestion to break down fat.

Testing the impact of dandelion extract in mice revealed similar results, prompting researchers to recommend further study on the possible anti-obesity effects of dandelion.

5. Dandelion tea may soothe digestive ailmentsDandelion root tea can have many positive effects on your digestive system, although much of the evidence is anecdotal. It has historically been used to improve appetite, soothe minor digestive ailments, and possibly relieve constipation.

6. It could have future anti-cancer applicationsRecently, dandelion root has been studied for its cancer-fighting potential, and so far the results appear promising.

A 2011 Canadian study showed that dandelion root extract induces cell death in melanoma cells without impacting non-cancerous cells. Another showed that it does the same to pancreatic cancer cells.

While the anti-cancer effects of dandelion tea haven’t been tested, the potential is positive.

7. It may help prevent urinary tract infectionsPaired with another herb, uva ursi, dandelion roots and leaves may help prevent urinary tract infections. It’s believed this combination works because of anti-bacterial compounds in uva ursi, and the increased urination associated with dandelion.

Source: Healthline

If you don’t have your own dandelions or your lawn has been treated with chemicals, there are dandelion teas you can buy in a health store, Walmart or Amazon. It’s everywhere!

And if you read the article I referred to, it tells you how to make your own tea with your own dandelions.

Make sure you read next month’s newsletter when I’ll tell you a story about how God surprised me when I was feeling like homeschooling was not really going the way it should.

And how He used a tiny caterpillar to change the atmosphere in our home.

 If you have a friend who you think would like to read this newsletter, please pass it on!

I appreciate your support!

If there’s anything I can help you with, just reach out to me.
If you feel like you don’t have the kind of freedom I’ve been talking about in your homeschool or if you need help planning next year’s homeschool year or have specific issues you’re experiencing in your homeschool, let’s talk!

To book a 15 minute call with me just go to:
https://calendly.com/safehavenhomeschool

Love,

Penney Douglas, B.S in Elem. Ed.Safe Haven Homeschooling

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E-course I created – The Basics of Learning and Homeschooling

Coaching Course I created – Also called The Basics of Learning and Homeschooling – I take you through the course and do a coaching call with you each month

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