North Carolina Lawmaker Proposes Bill to Support Homeschoolers in College Applications
A North Carolina legislator has initiated a bill aimed at safeguarding homeschool students from discriminatory treatment during the college admission process.
Representative Mark Harris expressed concerns that outdated societal norms and vague guidelines have made it feel like homeschooled applicants face additional challenges while applying to colleges. “It seems really discriminatory,” he noted in a recent statement.
Harris pointed out that homeschoolers might be compelled to take the GED to demonstrate they’ve met graduation standards.
He believes that as long as these students meet typical college requirements—such as taking the SAT or ACT, submitting scores, and completing applications—they shouldn’t face extra hurdles.
The proposed legislation, titled the Homeschool Graduation Certification Act, aims to amend existing federal law to officially recognize homeschool graduates as high school graduates.
Harris explained that the Higher Education Act currently defines eligible students as those with high school diplomas or their equivalents. However, a misleading heading implies that homeschoolers do not fit this definition, placing unnecessary demands on them.
He provided an example of Molloy College in New York, which mandates that homeschool applicants provide official confirmation from a local school district about the quality of their education or take the GED.
According to Molloy’s admission criteria, applicants need an endorsement that their education is “substantially equivalent” to that offered in local high schools, or they must pass the GED and obtain a state certification.
Harris affirmed that his bill aims to secure equitable treatment for homeschool graduates during enrollment.
“Many homeschooled students are some of the brightest,” he insisted, emphasizing the importance of treating them fairly in the college admission landscape.
“They should fulfill the necessary requirements like any other student—tour campuses, fill out applications, and submit their scores,” he added, stressing they shouldn’t be regarded as second-class applicants.
In light of critical opinions claiming universities should set their own standards, Harris argued there’s a clear distinction between lawful judgment and discrimination.
Andrea Smiley, Vice President for Public Affairs at the University of Phoenix, reflected a supportive stance, noting that although their admissions policy doesn’t specifically address homeschooling, they have various methods for applicants, including homeschoolers, to demonstrate completion of high school.
Smiley also mentioned ongoing efforts to enhance admissions processes for homeschoolers while ensuring fairness and academic integrity.
Fox News Digital has attempted to contact Molloy College for their perspective on this matter.
