SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - The Senate Education Committee defeated a bill today that would have allowed home school children to participate in public school extracurricular activities.
Representative Sue Peterson of Sioux Falls authored the measure maintains that all homeschool parents are asking is "let the kids play."
Peterson says she hears from many homeschool families but they are afraid to say too much because they fear retribution against them and their children. She says she wouldn't have presented the bill if "local control would let the kids play."
Peterson says some school districts outright refuse homeschoolers access to extracurriculars while some districts allow the practice.
Peterson says the South Dakota High School Activities doesn't have a problem with the standard to which homeschooled students are held.
But the chair of the committee, Senator Jim Bolin of Canton, says he couldn't support a bill that would potentially weaken eligibility standards. Bolin added that he doesn't always agree with the Activities Association but the standards maintain organization and order.
The measure was sent to the 41st day.