History Lesson

The HEM Networking discussion list has always been known for a no-nonsense approach to the most timely and important homeschooling issues. Founded in 1999 and currently listing almost 1,000 members, the list includes many veteran and pioneer homeschoolers who enjoy sharing their intimate knowledge of the history, the people, and the significant events which shaped – and continue to shape – homeschooling.

A good case in point is a recent conversation about a certain group of lawyers, which resulted in one long-time listmember noting: “It’s good these discussions come every once in awhile if for no other reason than to get this information out there so newer homeschoolers will see it.”

The following discussion has only been edited for intervening threads and duplications or excerpts of posts; no wording, spelling, context or other parts of these posts have been changed. The links to articles and information, which were active in the original posts, have been reset here as active links (with one exception). You can read the original posts beginning here.

#28391
From: Amy Cortez
Date: Fri Sep 29, 2006 8:52 am
Subject: FYI

This in my email today….

HSLDA Launches Online Curriculum Market

Dear HSLDA members and friends:

Home School Legal Defense Association has launched a new site, HSLDA’s Curriculum Market, for the sale of new and used curriculum and materials specifically related to homeschooling. HSLDA created this site in response to our members’ concerns about the policies of other auction sites that do not allow the sale of teacher or instructor materials (e.g., anything with an answer key). The new site is at http://market.hslda.org .

Anyone can sell materials on this site. You can sell through auctions, multiple item auctions, bartering, and fixed price sales. And if you have a lot to sell, you can upload the auction listings in bulk.

Since we are offering this resource as a member benefit, only HSLDA members will be allowed to buy. This also helps ensure that teacher materials are being sold only to teachers. If you have items to sell, whether or not you are an HSLDA member, please join us as you will have a potential market of over 80,000 families.

To set up an account, go to http://market.hslda.org and use the “register” link on the left-hand menu (under “membership”). If you are an HSLDA member, make sure you sign up as a member.

HSLDA currently charges no fees for use of this site; all the profits will go to sellers. The same as other such sites, sellers will have profiles and the services they provide will be rated by their buyers.

Our hope is that this service will be a blessing to you, allowing you to save money on curriculum purchases and recoup some of your costs by selling used curriculum.

Sincerely

J. Michael Smith,
HSLDA President

Talk about a parallel society…

(We’ve been discussing the ECHR Ruling on the Ban of homeschooling in Germany on the Ohio lists…. The court wrote that it was in the “general interest of society to avoid the emergence of parallel societies based on separate philosophical convictions and the importance of integrating minorities into society.”)

-Amy

#28393
From: “hsferret”
Date: Fri Sep 29, 2006 9:30 am
Subject: Re: FYI

wow – membership has it’s privledges. Do you have to produce a union card to join? or the title bestowed honorarily? Or is it just simple arrogance?

Mary

#28394
From: Susan Frederick
Date: Fri Sep 29, 2006 9:42 am
Subject: Re: FYI

So it’s not really open to “anyone” since only those that qualify for HSLDA membership can use it. So no single parents, for example.

#28402
From: “Lynda”
Date: Fri Sep 29, 2006 2:28 pm
Subject: Re: FYI

Silly, can we spell m-e-m-b-e-r-s-h-i-p d-r-i-v-e?

Lynda

#28405
From: leslie contos
Date: Fri Sep 29, 2006 3:58 pm
Subject: Re: FYI

I’m not an HSLDA member, but I really don’t like hearing them bashed. I never hear the list’s HSLDA members bashing other homeschool groups, and wish they would be accorded the same respect. Thanks.
Leslie

#28427
From: “hsferret”
Date: Sat Sep 30, 2006 10:03 am
Subject: Re: FYI

There is a significant difference between ‘bashing’ and ‘informing someone of the truth.’

mary

#28434
From: “homeschoolfreedom”
Date: Sat Sep 30, 2006 6:51 am
Subject: Re: FYI

Leslie,

I don’t favor bashing them or anyone else for that matter, but I do favor folks being educated about whatever they are involving themselves in that brings home education along with it. I think that when bashing is done it sometimes turns folks away who really would like to know why some of us do object to them so strongly.

Personally, I don’t think any ‘legal’ group can replace a well-educated citizenry.

Everytime I object to HSLDA, I am objecting to the action of the large organization, the HSLDA PAC and not the individual homeschool members. I would hope that if folks are going to join HSLDA or any other group for that matter, they become aware of who the group is, what they do and how their PAC money is spent.

I recall their lobbyist working hard and successfully adding language to the Military Defense Budget last November. Now there is nothing illegal about that, but it seems to be the way of lobbyists to represent the corporation and not the average citizen… I prefer grass-roots activism that involves many home educators, but again we are a diverse bunch, so that is not an easy task!

There is a history that many news folks are not aware of. I recall when HSLDA was primarily a Christian organization, but these days I meet many a new home educator that believe they must join to protect themselves and to protect home education.

They are the ones that we need to lay out the history for and then let them decide. There is a new generation of home educators who want to know the facts just like we did at one time and don’t wan’t experts or others simply telling them what to do. I say offer them the facts along with the citations and let them decide.

Here are some great articles by the Kasemans that lay out much of this history and if others have additional ones, I hope they will offer them here as well.

Let’s Not Link Homeschooling to Partisan Politics – Larry and Susan Kaseman

HSLDA’s “History” Erodes the Foundations of Our Freedom – Larry and Susan Kaseman

From Home Education Magazine, I also suggest that individuals read all four sections of Homeschooling Freedoms At Risk – Electronic Edition

Mary

#28440
From: leslie contos
Date: Sat Sep 30, 2006 11:14 am
Subject: Re: Re: FYI

Great! I think we’re agreed. I not only don’t have a problem with people trying to share their opinions and educate each other in a polite and respectful manner, it’s one of the reason I join lists. To hear different viewpoints and make my own determination from the facts and opinions presented. What I personally object to is flames thrown out without context in what I then perceive as attempts to belittle without attempts to discuss. In my mind these are two completely different types of posts, and have very different results. I am a bit curious that with the number of families who belong to HSLDA there don’t seem to be many posting here. If the point of the list is to exclude that group, then carry on, if instead the list wishes to foster tolerance and the free expression of all opinions, then perhaps a reexamination is in order? Don’t know if I’m near the mark or not, just tossing ideas out.
Leslie

#28441
From: “wrensong2001″
Date: Sat Sep 30, 2006 6:55 pm
Subject: Re: FYI

Although, if you think about it, there are people posting here who belong to other organizations, and they don’t tend to mention them. I think organizations are just not something people feel a need to talk about here.

Lillian

http://www.BestHomeschooling.org

#28442
From: leslie contos
Date: Sat Sep 30, 2006 7:27 pm
Subject: Re: Re: FYI

You’re right. I have no way of knowing.

#28406
From: “Cindy Felso”
Date: Fri Sep 29, 2006 4:40 pm
Subject: Re: FYI

Just my 2 cents -

I’m not sure that HSLDA should be looked at as a homeschool group that any of us need to protect from bashing. It appears to me to really be a powerful political organization that uses scare tactics, including out of context “news”, to garner new members (read “money”) so as to further it’s agenda.

Cindy

#28408
From: leslie contos
Date: Fri Sep 29, 2006 5:03 pm
Subject: Re: FYI

I appreciate hearing everyones response. I guess I am not trying to protect HSLDA as much as protect list members who may be members of HSLDA. They have given it thought and for various reasons decided it was best for their family to join. I don’t want list members who belong to HSLDA to feel on the defensive. I certaily also respect your right not to belong or want to join, and always enjoy a good polite, serious discussion of pros and cons. I just don’t think verbal swipes are productive, and may make some list members feel less than welcome. Thanks for hearing my opinion out.
Leslie

#28416
From: Jackie Cromwell
Date: Fri Sep 29, 2006 6:50 pm
Subject: Re: FYI

Leslie,
I appreciate your speaking up. I will be a paid member next year and when I read the slams, I view it as an insult to me. If you believe it is evil, what do you think of us who buy into it?

Jacqueline Cromwell
mom@nerdfamily.com

#28417
From: leslie contos
Date: Fri Sep 29, 2006 7:39 pm
Subject: Re: FYI

Thanks, Jackie. I had thought that must be how HSLDA famlilies were feeling, and was naive enough to think that when I mentioned that posts might be making some families feel uncomfortable, everyone might reevaluate their comments. All I ended up doing was bring down a load of anti-HSLDA posts, and probably making people feel worse. So sorry, that wasn’t my intent at all.
Leslie
p.s. love the “nerdfamily” email address

#28422
From: Susan Frederick
Date: Fri Sep 29, 2006 9:11 pm
Subject: Re: FYI

If anything, I’d state my objections more strongly.

This is a bit like some of the discussions where people object to public schoolers at home being told they are still enrolled in public school because it might make them feel bad. Hiding the truth from them doesn’t do them a service.

HSLDA’s actions are pretty well documented, folks did not come to that conclusion overnight, by rather through a long string of actions/reactions over the years. These are just a few of the examples of why people are concerned about HSLDAs actions in the name of homeschoolers that affects non-members are well.

Homeschooling Freedoms at Risk – 1991

Perez – 1997

Moore White Paper – 1998

HSLDA Study: Embarrassing and Dangerous – 1999

HONDA – 2003/2005 (A-to-Z)
HONDA – 2003/2005 (CT Homeschool Network)

An Open Letter to HSLDA members – 2005

/”I have always felt that HSLDA has a right to exist, and if that’s what you want to spend your money on, I’m happy you have the financial means to do so. However, recent events have caused me to re-think my position. I was wrong to think that because I was not a member HSLDA did not affect me./

/When HSLDA re-introduced their HoNDA legislation in the US House and Senate, they added a section related to the recruitment and enlistment of homeschool graduates to it. When it appeared HoNDA was stalled in committee they requested Senator Rick Santorum of PA to add a section that would give the Secretary of Defense the authority to identify for the purposes of recruitment and enlistment homeschool graduates to The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006./

/Scott Somerville of HSLDA recently wrote, “IF we fail in our effort to get section 522 signed into law, we’ll try something else, but we won’t give up. It’s been seven years already; it may be seven more years before we feel like homeschool grads have a level path to military service.”/

/There is a lot to think about in those two arrogant sentences. HSLDA will not give up trying to push federal legislation into law that affects MY child. That’s personal. That has nothing to do with a Christian’s right to homeschool their children, something I would be first in line to protect. It’s an attempt to target my child for recruitment and enlistment in the United States Armed Forces by a group of self-appointed, fundamentalist Christians pursuing an agenda they have determined to be part of their personal religion. Of course, they have a right, as individual Americans and as a lobbying organization, to do so. But I also have a right -as well as a responsibility – to protect my child from overly zealous political actions. That is the reason we have ELECTED representation, so the people can decide whether they want their children targeted by military recruiters or not. In a representative government, it’s not the purview of a handful of zealots to make any decision for my family.”/

#28423
From: Julie W in AR
Date: Fri Sep 29, 2006 9:41 pm
Subject: Re: FYI

Susan
Thanks for the links. It has been awhile and I had lost some of those. I think it is good these discussions come every once in awhile if for no other resons then to get this information out there so newer homeschoolers will see it.

Julie Woolfolk
www.damngoodvintage.com

#28435
From: “hsferret”
Date: Sat Sep 30, 2006 10:34 am
Subject: Re: FYI

I think you are a very nice person who is uniformed. It is your very ‘niceness’ and trust that makes it easy for HSLDA to mislead you.

I recommend that before you join you ask HSLDA for 2 things – copies of their most recent IRS Form 990′s (tax returns) for all the different HSLDA’s and a copy of their most recent financial statement. That way, you can see for yourself where HSLDA spends your money. If you don’t want to ask them for the Form 990′s you can ask the IRS for ‘Public Inspection Copies’ of the same documents.

Expect to pay a reasonable amount for the copies from either source. HSLDA is quicker to respond (I believe the IRS gives them 24 hours to respond to your request). The IRS makes them when they get to it.

You might also want to contact your state’s Insurance Commissioner and ask if they can legally sell ‘prepaid legal services’ in your state and whether there are any complaints against them.

You can also contact your state’s mandatory Bar Association and ask the same questions.

Personally, I always figured they had a right to exist and if that’s what you want to do with your money, it’s okay with me BUT last year when they used members money to lobby congress to give the Department of Defense authority to define what a homeschool graduate is and enable the DOD access to my son for purposes of recuitment and enlistment, I changed my mind. I have never been a member but their actions on my behalf affected my family in what I consider to be a negative way. I publicly asked HSLDA’s members to urge their organization (which they fund and are therefore responsible for the actions of) to not represent me.

I’ll post it separately. I still believe they stepped way over the line on that one.

Mary

#28450
From: “Valerie Moon”
Date: Sun Oct 1, 2006 10:11 am
Subject: Re: Re: FYI

There are online links to the lobbying reports showing the amount of money used specifically for lobbying. I have a collection of the links at: happy_as_kings

If a person agrees with the use of their membership money for lobbying, then HSLDA is the group to join. If you assume that your membership money will be used for legal defense, then further investigation of their practices might be wise.

Valerie

#28454
From: “hsferret”
Date: Sun Oct 1, 2006 7:38 pm
Subject: fyi – HSLDA public tax information

Thanks Valerie,

I have some older synopsis (synopsii?)

Please note that this information does not in any way replace reading the original public inspection copies for HSLDA and HSLDF’s IRS Form 990′s. To get a complete picture you have to read the entire documents. These are just the highlights seeking to answer homeschoolers “most asked questions”. All the data was taken directly from the original photocopies of “Form 990 Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax” obtained by me from the IRS.

Like most tax returns, Form 990′s break income and expenses down into categories. Income for HSLDA includes contributions, gifts, grants and similar amounts; program service revenue; membership dues and assessments; and interest on savings and temporary cash investments. Expenses are broken down into categories like grants, specific assistance to individuals; compensation of officers, directors, etc.; other salaries and wages; pension plan contributions; other employee benefits; payroll taxes; accounting fees; supplies; telephone; postage and shipping; occupancy; equipment rental and maintenance; printing and publication; travel, conferences, conventions and meetings; interest; depreciation; professional licenses, dues, etc.; legal services, transcripts, court costs; and miscellaneous. The IRS withholds names of individual contributors on the public inspection copies of tax returns, only the total amount of donations, grants, etc. is listed.

The balance sheet lists assets and liabilities at the beginning and end of each year. Assets include cash, savings, investments and advances, land, buildings, vehicles and equipment (less accumulated depreciation.) Liabilities include payroll taxes.

HSLDA’s 1989 Form 990 tax return covered the period from April 1, 1989 to March 31, 1990. It was received by the IRS in Philadelphia on July 26, 1990. For that period, HSLDA had total revenues of $1,402,463 and total expenses of $872,746. Revenue designated as membership dues and assessments totaled $1,367,432. Of these amounts $5,200 was spent on specific assistance to individuals. An additional $867,546 was spent on the remaining expenses. Total assets at the beginning of the year were $975,592 and $1,506,745 at the end. Michael Farris received $126,377 in salary and benefits; J. Michael Smith received $117,152 in salary and benefits; and Christopher Klicka received $58,122 in salary and benefits. George Stroh and the late James Carden, as part time directors, each received $2,000.

HSLDA’s 1990 Form 990 tax return covers the period from April 1, 1990 to March 31, 1991 and was received in Philadelphia on May 6, 1991. For that period, HSLDA had total revenues of $1,983,237 and expenses of $1,468,551. Revenue designated as membership dues and assessments totaled $1,836,078. Of these amounts, $12,450 was spent on specific assistance to individuals. An additional $1,456,101 was spent on the remaining expenses. Total assets at the beginning of the year were $1,506,745 and $2,019,995 at the end. Michael Farris received $155,578 in salary and benefits; J. Michael Smith received $139,298 in salary and benefits. George Stroh, a part time director and James Carden, a part time secretary, each received $3,000. Jeff Ethell, part time treasurer received $1,000. Additionally Christopher J. Klicka as Executive Director received $64,062 in salary and benefits. Three full time staff members also received salaries and benefits: Charles L. Hurst, $56,929; George Whitten, Jr. $40,577; Cora Prather $34,922. Staff member Inge P. Cannon received $36,311 in salary but no benefits.

HSLDA’s 1991 Form 990 tax return covers the period from April 1, 1991 to March 31, 1992 and was signed August 26, 1992. For that period HSLDA had total revenues of $2,275,880 and total expenses of $2,295,200. Revenue designated as membership dues and assessments totaled $1,985,485. No amount was spent on specific assistance to individuals. However, HSLDA gave $12,000 to Family Protection Ministries. Additional expenses included $43,350 for radio and royalties and $131,714 for testing supplies and services. Total assets at the beginning of the year were $2,019,995 and $2,159,315 at the end. Michael Farris received $156,825 in salary and benefits; J. Michael Smith received $140,094 in salary and benefits. Director George Stroh, Secretary James Carden and Treasurer Jeff Ethell each received $3,000. Additionally, senior counsel Dewitt T. Black III received $73,574 in salary and benefits and Christopher Klicka received $72,068 in salary and benefits. Membership director Charles Hurst received $55,456 in salary and benefits; associate director of NCHE, Inge Cannon, received $46,571 in salary and benefits and Cora Pratler as membership coordinator received $37,160 in salary and benefits. Three other unnamed employees also received salaries in excess of $30,000.

HSLDA’s 1992 Form 990 return covers the period from April 1, 1992 to March 31, 1993 and was received by the IRS in Philadelphia on February 17, 1994. During this period HSLDA had total revenue of $2,863,909, including $89,064 in interest and dividend income from investments and $14,634 in rental income. The organization’s expenses amounted to $2,321,431. Revenue designated as membership dues and assessments totaled $2,456,358. No moneys were spent on specific assistance to individuals or benefits paid to members, however, Family Protection Ministries received an additional $12,000. Total assets at the beginning of the year were $2,159,315 and at the end of the year were $3,025,375. Michael Farris received $159,124 in salary and benefits; J. Michael Smith received $146,473 in salary and benefits; Dewitt T. Black III received $77,496 in salary and benefits; Christopher Klicka received $76,223 in salary and benefits; Charles Hurst received $56,355 in salary and benefits and Inge Cannon received $46,217 in salary and benefits. Scott Somerville received $45,189 in salary but no benefits. Part time Secretary/Treasurer Jeff Ethell received $3,000 in pay. For the first time, HSLDA acknowledged lobbying expenses including $24,524 to influence public opinion (grassroots lobbying) and $24,361 to influence a legislative body (direct lobbying) for a total lobbying expense of $47,885.

HSLDA’s 1993 Form 990 return doesn’t indicate what period of time it covers but it was received by the IRS on November 16, 1994. It indicates HSLDA had total revenues of $3,560,537 including $97,098 in interest on savings and securities and $25,273 in rental income. Revenue designated as membership dues and assessments totaled $3,214,770. Total expenses were $2,965,799 and included the same expenses as other years and additional expenses for the Congressional Action Program, no moneys were spent on specific assistance to either individuals or members but Family Protection Ministries received an additional $12,000 and the Council on (sic) National Policy received a $2,000 grant. Total assets at the beginning of the year were $3,025,375 and at the end $4,127,101. Liabilities at the beginning of the year were $1,237,640 and $1,744,628 at the end. At the end of the fiscal year HSLDA had $551,337 in savings and temporary cash investments and $2,249,566 in mutual funds. Additional land, buildings, equipment and vehicles were valued at $1,319,932. Michael Farris received $176,317 in salary and benefits; J. Michael Smith received $163,063 in salary and benefits. Jeff Ethell, George Stroh and Richard Honaker each received $3,000 while Kenneth Johnson received $2,000. Attorney Dewitt T. Black III received $90,088 in salary and benefits; associate director Inge Cannon received $53,026 in salary and benefits. An additional 7 unnamed employees each received more than $30,000. Benefits include benefit plans and deferred compensation. Additionally Jordan Lorence received $33,661 for professional services. HSLDA also spent $86,140 for lobbying activities. In 1993, the Congressional Action Program as listed in HSLDA’s tax return received $16,930.

In 1994, both the Home School Legal Defense Association and Home School Legal Defense Foundation began filing tax returns separately.

The Foundation’s 1994 Form 990 covered the period from April 1, 1994 to March 31, 1995 and was received in Philadelphia February 20, 1996. It indicates HSLDF had revenues of $2,484,652, including $114,927 in interest on savings and securities. Revenue designated membership dues and assessments totaled $2,452,627. Total expenses were $2,778,243 realizing a deficit of $293,591. No moneys were spent on specific assistance to individuals or benefits paid to or for members. Family Protection Ministries received $12,000; National Challenged Home Schoolers Association received $6,000 and Council on (sic) National Policy received $1,490 for a total grant amount of $19,940. Total assets at the beginning of the year were $4,127,101 and at the end $2,218,126. Total liabilities at the beginning of the period were $1,744,628 and at the end $129,244. HSLDF lost $293,273 on the sale of securities. Michael Farris received $173,940 in salary and benefits; J. Michael Smith received $159,386 in salary and benefits. Jeff Ethell, George Stroh, Kenneth Johnson and Richard Honaker each received $3,000. Attorney Dewitt T. Black III received $91,574 in salary and benefits; attorney Christopher Klicka received $91,096 in salary and benefits; attorney Scott Somerville received $70,576 in salary and benefits and membership director Charles Hurst received $66,834 in salary and benefits. No other employees were paid over $50,000. Total lobbying expenses for 1994 were $109,683.

The Association’s Form 990 for 1994 covers the period from April 1, 1994 to March 31, 1995 and was received in Philadelphia February 20, 1996. Total revenue was $1,708,317, which included program service revenue of $59,560, membership dues and assessments of $1,533,011, and $116,507 in interest and dividend income. Also included was a net loss of $761 on rental expenses. Expenses totaled $353,300 and included programs services and management costs. The balance sheet does not include assets at the beginning of the year but indicates HSLDA had total assets of $4,336,955 at the end of the year. As a connected organization no salaries were paid to any employee through HSLDA.

The 1995 Form 990 for Home School Legal Defense Association covered the period from April 1, 1995 to March 31, 1996 and was received in Philadelphia on February 21, 1997. Total revenue was $4,837,295, which included program service revenue of $118,712, membership dues and assessments of $4,418,399, $277,858 in interest and dividend income and $1,065 net rental income. Program services and management costs combined indicate total expenses of $3,547,749. Of those expenses, $32,500 is listed in two grants, one of $25,000 to HSLDA Canada and one of $7,500 to Roy Hanson’s Family Protection Ministries. Officers and directors received $318,596 in compensation and other salaries and wages totaled $1,271,625. An additional $137,708 accounted for contributions to pension funds. Other employee benefits totaled $148,023. Other expenses totaled $326,287, which included $100,000 transfer to HSLDF to cover the costs of a national conference and $125,075 for the 1994 accrued pension plan contribution and interest owed by HSLDF. Other expenses include $3,380 for photography, $26,595 for promotion, $93,015 for litigation, $42,469 for the Congressional Action Program, $20,054 for insurance, $10,225 for dues and subscriptions, $68,117 for radio & media, $39,675 for legal information services, and $4,307 for surveys. The balance sheet indicates that total assets at the beginning of the year were $4,336,955 and $4,678,753 at the end. It also indicates total liabilities of $2,981,938 at the beginning of the year and $2,034,190 at the end. President Michael Farris received $173,644 in salary and benefits; Vice President J. Michael Smith received $162,425 in salary and benefits. Directors Jeff Ethel (sic), George Stroh, Ken Johnson and Richard Honaker each received $3000. HSLDA listed securities investments with a total value of $1,119,666 and the value of buildings, land, equipment, library and vehicles at a book value of $650,302.

The 1995 Form 990 for Home School Legal Defense Foundation covering the period from April 1, 1995 to March 31, 1996 was received in Philadelphia February 27, 1997. Contributions, gifts grants and similar amounts received totaled $52,674 with no single contributor giving more than $5,000.; Interest from cash and securities totaled $55,569; rental income (less rental expenses) totaled $100,950 for a total revenue amount of $209,193. The Foundation spent a total of $276,821. Expenses included $185,396 for grants and allocations; compensation of $1500. to Michael Farris; $74,363 for conferences and meetings; and $14,167 for insurance, taxes & licenses and miscellaneous. The balance sheet indicates HSLDF had total assets of $2,218,126 at the beginning of the year and $949,369 at the end of the year. Total liabilities were $129,244 at the beginning of the year and $222,178 at the end making the total liabilities and net assets/fund balances $2,218,126 at the beginning and $2,253,432 at the end. Membership fees received in 1994 were $2,452,627. Total lobbying expenditures were $116,567. The complete list of grants and contributions from HSLDF to various support groups and other organizations is included in the 1995 Form 990.

The 1996 Form 990 for Home School Legal Defense Association covers the period from April 1, 1996 to March 31, 1997 and was received in Ogden Utah on February 24, 1998. Total revenue was $4,946,439 and included program service revenue of $129,541, membership dues and assessments of $4,640,795, $182,401 in interest and dividend income and a net loss of $6,298 in rental income. Program services and management costs combined indicate total expenses of $4,946,439. Of those expenses, $82,000 is listed in two grants, one of $70,000 to Of The People “to provide support for education and media related to parental rights amendment to Colorado Constitution” and one of $12,000 to Roy Hanson’s Family Protection Ministries “to provide continuing support to an organization in California that share our purposes and goals regarding homeschooling.” Officers and directors received $338,696 in compensation and other employee salaries and wages totaled $1,502,775. An additional $156,466 accounted for contributions to pension funds. Other employee benefits totaled $183,918. Other expenses totaled $340,990 including $12,856 for promotion, $95,193 for litigation, $34,743 for the Congressional Action Program, $13,953 for insurance, $9,640 for dues and subscriptions, $64,090 for radio & media, $51,849 for legal information services, $10.992 for taxes & licenses, and $36,383 for surveys. The balance sheet indicates that total assets at the beginning of the year were $4,678,753 and $5,880,295 at the end. It also indicates total liabilities of $2,034,190 at the beginning of the year and $2,318,544 at the end. President Michael Farris received $189,918 in salary and benefits; Vice President J. Michael Smith received $166,656 in salary and benefits. Directors Jeff Ethell, George Stroh, Ken Johnson and Richard Honaker each received $3000. HSLDA listed securities investments with a total value of $1,211,269 and the value of buildings, land, equipment, library and vehicles at a book value of $644,854. Additionally, the Association paid $120,000 in rental income for office condominium space for the Foundation.

The 1996 Form 990 for Home School Legal Defense Foundation covers the period from April 1, 1996 to March 31, 1997 and was received in Ogden UT on February 23, 1998. Contributions, gifts grants and similar amounts received totaled $39,165 with no single contributor giving more than $5,000. Interest from cash totaled $45,232; rental income (less rental expenses) totaled $100,783 for a total revenue amount of $211,795. The Foundation spent a total of $375,667. Expenses included $222,167 for grants and allocations; $147,503 for conferences and meetings; and $1,563 for insurance. The balance sheet indicates HSLDF had total assets of $2,253,432 at the beginning of the year and $2,072,126 at the end of the year. Total liabilities were $222,178 at the beginning of the year and $204,744 at the end. The complete list of grants and contributions from HSLDF to various support groups and other organizations is included in the 1996 Form 990. Organizations and individuals receiving more than $5,000 are CHEA of CA ($11,670), CHECK of Kansas ($5,385), CHEO of Ohio ($6,098), CLASS ($8,992), Michael New Defense Fund ($9,607), NATHHAN ($41,275), New Systems Schools of TN ($6,840), NYS LEAH ($7,125) and SCAIHS of SC ($5,655).

#28431
From: “hsferret”
Date: Sat Sep 30, 2006 10:13 am
Subject: Re: FYI

I agree. HSLDA members should be aware of what they are joining. IF they have satisfied themselves that it’s right for their family, I figure it’s their hard earned dollar and it they want to give it to HSLDA, go for it.

But I also feel they are mightily misled by HSLDA.

Mary

#28407
From: Brennan07@aol.com
Date: Fri Sep 29, 2006 12:47 pm
Subject: Re: FYI

The problem for many of us is that HSLDA does not deserve respect because they use falsehoods, intimidation tactics, and actively support laws that discriminate against non-Christian homeschoolers.

FWIW, I would “bash” (e.g.criticize) any other homeschool group that did that. Also, HSLDA is not a “homeschool group”. They imply they are insurance (legal insurance is not legal, so they never actually say this) agency of sorts, or an advocacy group.

#28409
From: leslie contos
Date: Fri Sep 29, 2006 4:58 pm
Subject: Re: FYI

I think a serious and polite discussion of pros and cons would always be welcome by thinking people. I just find it uncomfortable when the mention of the name brings up sharp remarks and satirical asides, because I know there are list members who belong, so it just doesn’t seem respectful to them. Just my view, and it meant enough to me that I thought I’d share it. Thanks.
Leslie

#28414
From: Cindy
Date: Fri Sep 29, 2006 6:36 pm
Subject: Re: FYI

Hi,

Just a minor, but important point. HSLDA list members aren’t being bashed. HSLDA itself is.

>>The problem for many of us is that HSLDA does not deserve respect because
>>they use falsehoods, intimidation tactics, and actively support laws that
>>discriminate against non-Christian homeschoolers.
>>

This is all too true. I wish it wasn’t, but there you have it. I’ve been involved in one case where they wouldn’t even defend a born-again Christian mom. They went against their own stated rules. I, plus a few others took them to task publicly over it. It went on for months, and it was like trying to wrestle an oiled snake. Not fun. But, they did finally give in and defend the mom. They wouldn’t pay all of her legal costs, mind you. No, it was homeschoolers from all over the US that chipped in and sent money.

She won her case and never renewed her membership again.

For me personally, I think HSLDA homeschoolers ought to know this stuff.

Just MHO

Cindy in CO
Rocky Mtn Education Connection

#28428
From: “hsferret”
Date: Sat Sep 30, 2006 10:11 am
Subject: Re: FYI

HSLDA is an advocacy group lobbying for homeschoolers. Ask any state Insurance Commissioner. There is no insurance ‘policy’. They are a ‘pre-paid legal service’ which is legal in many states, perhaps not yours, though. Easist way to find out is to ask your state’s (mandatory membership) Bar Association whether Pre-Paid legal services are legal in your state; whether HSLDA is a member of the Bar in your state and whether HSLDA’s attorneys are licensed to practice legally in your state. Many HSLDA members are paying for a lawyer that cannot legally practice in their state.

The bottom line is their tax-exempt status – law firms don’t get that, advocacy groups do.

Mary

#28410
From: “M. Ridge-Carter”
Date: Fri Sep 29, 2006 5:12 pm
Subject: Re: FYI

Those verbal swipes could be pretty darn useful to someone who doesn’t know much about HSLDA and gets caught up in their intimidation. I know of a lot of homeschoolers who joined because they thought that they had to, that they needed that “protection”, without knowing anything about HSLDA’s agenda.

Missy

#28411
From: Brennan07@aol.com
Date: Fri Sep 29, 2006 1:59 pm
Subject: Re: FYI

I was a member of HSLDA for a few years, because I was homeschooling a learning disabled child and they scared me into joining. I sure wish I had that money back.

I honestly think that listmembers who are HSLDA members should (and likely do) know that HSLDA is held in very low esteem by many other homeschoolers, and for very solid reasons. We are not critical to be mean, but because they are detrimental to homeschooling freedom. I am sure that those listmembers still choose to belong, they are tough enough to cope with hearing criticism. They are free to defend HSLDA on the list, after all.

#28412
From: “bens”
Date: Fri Sep 29, 2006 6:01 pm
Subject: Re: FYI

I have no idea what is going on in this email. But, I just wanted you to know that there are legal alternatives. NHELD Deborah Stevenson.google it.

Mary

#28418
From: Susan Frederick
Date: Fri Sep 29, 2006 7:39 pm
Subject: Re: FYI

As others have mentioned, it’s the organization of HSLDA, not it’s individual members that is the topic of discussion.

I think the majority of HSLDA members join without a clue as to their agenda, they have been told they “need” to join for their “insurance”. They are not told off the multiple political and religious causes that HSLDA gets involved with.

I think it’s far less respectful of their members to keep quiet and not inform them of what they are getting involved with, especially given the fact that their actions often affect non-members on a wide scale (Perez, HONDA, ect that would have destroyed state homeschool rights). For those that value our homeschool freedoms, it’s our duty to inform others of their actions so they can make an informed decision about paying to be part of that organization.

I think it’s far more respectful to treat others like adults and not try to “protect” them from topics that may make them uncomfortable.

#28413
From: “bens”
Date: Fri Sep 29, 2006 6:06 pm
Subject: Re: FYI

You are right. Two years ago, I received a letter from the school department. For the first time in fourteen years, I contacted HSLDA for help. After I paid the 100 dollars, they told me that I should claim that I was home schooling for religious reasons, which I was NOT. I told them that I would not because it was not truthful. Their response was, it would make things much easier for me and I wouldn’t have to worry. I refused. I had nothing more to do with them and wrote my own letters and handled my ownaffairs. The school department backed off. I don’t know if thisis helpful. It appears that HSLDA, with their new agenda to amend the Constitution of the United States to include a clause stating that it is a “god” given right for parents to homeschool children and other decisions, like gay marriage, have more of a religious purpose, rather than an educational one. We are already guaranteed the right to direct the education of our children as set forth in the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States constitution. We just have to fight to maintain it. Home education is a parental right, not a religious one.

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