Hello and Assalam o Alaikum dear parents—especially my fellow homeschooling families across the U.S.!
This message is for you—and trust me, you need to READ this, because what I’m about to share comes with real facts and real solutions.
A new bill in Illinois is shaking the homeschool community. Even if you don’t live there, it could affect you too.
It’s called House Bill 2827, or the “Homeschool Act”, is a 60-page measure that would create new requirements for homeschooling families to report their educational activities to authorities. what’s in it might change everything for families like ours. Let me break it down for you in plain language:
👉 What this bill is
👉 Why it was created
👉 The pros, the cons… and what you should do next
And most importantly, I will address all the cons, and respond to them to give you the full picture.
And yes—I’ll share my honest opinion as a homeschooling parent.
📜 What is HB2827?
House Bill 2827—also known as the Homeschool Act—was introduced in February 2024 by Illinois Representative Terra Costa Howard, who has been vocal about child safety and educational oversight.
The goal of this bill?
To introduce clear guidelines and checks for families who homeschool in Illinois.
Here’s what it proposes:
✅ Parents must submit a yearly Homeschool Declaration Form listing the child’s name, age, grade, and parent contact info
✅ The parent providing education at home must have at least a high school diploma or GED
✅ If concerns arise, parents must provide a portfolio of the child’s educational progress
✅ To access school activities like sports or clubs, homeschoolers must show proof of vaccinations or provide a religious exemption
As of early 2025, this bill is still being debated. Supporters believe it’s about protecting children. Opponents argue it invades family life. But no matter your stance, it’s gaining national attention.
💔 Why Was This Bill Created?
This bill was sparked by the heartbreaking case of Zion Staples, a 9-year-old boy from Illinois.
Zion was homeschooled by a mother who had a history of abuse. Tragically, he accidentally shot himself and died. Instead of seeking help, his mother hid his body for months. No one—not teachers, not neighbors, not officials—noticed he was missing.
This tragedy led lawmakers to say:
“We need better checks in place to prevent this from ever happening again.”
And honestly, who can disagree with that?
⚖️ Pros & Cons (And My Honest Take)
Let’s break it down—and I’ll address your concerns head-on.
🛡️ Privacy Concerns
Some fear that this bill will intrude on family privacy. But think about it—we already share our data in so many ways.
Whether it’s for taxes, social media, or healthcare, we’re already part of a system of transparency. This bill simply asks for basic educational info—not surveillance.
Let’s see this not as control, but as protection.
📑 Bureaucracy & Paperwork
Yes, paperwork can feel like a hassle. But it’s also a tool of accountability.
And with the right support systems—such as online forms, templates, and community guidance—this can be made easy. It’s a small effort for a big outcome: safer and better education for all kids.
💸 Low-Income & Minority Families
This is a very valid concern, and I hear you.
Some families may not have access to tech, time, or help to meet the new requirements.
But rather than opposing the bill altogether, let’s push for solutions, like:
- Financial assistance for filing or paperwork
- Outreach programs for underserved communities
- Free digital tools to ease the process
Let’s not walk away—let’s shape this bill into something fairer for everyone.
👨👩👧 One Size Doesn’t Fit All
I completely agree—every family is different, and no bill should ignore that.
But this bill is still under review, which means you can help shape it.
What can we do?
- Contact lawmakers with your feedback
- Suggest customized check-in options instead of rigid rules
- Share your own success model—what works for your child and why
Change is possible, but only if we speak up.
💬 My Honest Opinion as a Homeschooling Parent
In my view, this bill is ultimately for the good of our children.
It’s not perfect. It might need work. But the intent behind it is about safety, structure, and fairness.
If we look deeper, we’ll see that it’s not about taking away freedom—it’s about ensuring protection.
So I say:
👉 Don’t reject it out of fear.
👉 Engage with it.
👉 Raise your voice where it matters.
👉 Let’s improve it together.
⚠️ A Cautionary Tale
There was another case—horrific in every way—where a father and stepmother claimed to be homeschooling their daughter.
In reality, they abused her, forced her into labor, and eventually killed her.
The father tried to flee the country and was caught at the airport.
The family even attempted to wash away the evidence with a car washer.
This is why we need oversight.
And what concerns me even more? The homeschooling trend is growing fast in eastern countries where illiteracy rates are already high.
If there’s no regulation, the consequences could be catastrophic.
🌍 This Is Bigger Than Illinois
Even if you’re not in Illinois, this affects you.
Because once something works in one state, others will follow.
So be ready:
📚 Know your rights
📝 Document your learning
🧠 Stay informed—and involved
💖 Final Words From the Heart
I may have a small platform, but I put my whole heart into spreading awareness and standing up for what’s right.
So now I ask you:
Would you support a bill like HB2827 in your own state or country?
Or do you believe it’s unnecessary?
I truly value your feedback.
I’m Iqra, a proud homeschooling parent.
And I’ll keep showing up with real talk and real facts.
Until next time—stay strong, stay united, and stay informed.
Allah Hafiz.