New Mexico says homeschoolers can't compete



    "High school freshmen Heidi Lewis and Brian Davenport have a winning speech competition routine, but it didn't do them much good at this year's state tournament.

    "The entire Jemez Mountain Homeschool Speech and Debate Team can no longer compete in tournaments because they are not members of the New Mexico Activities Association.

    "And, as home-schoolers, they can't become members under the current regulations."



Disappointment and debate ensued when the homeschool teams were excluded on short notice. Team coach Paul Kressin believes homeschoolers are being discriminated against in violation of state law, which says, "The rules established by the New Mexico Activities Association for the organization, regulation and enforcement of interscholastic activities shall support equal educational opportunities for every student."