Oregon Denies Christian Homeschoolers Access to Public Benefits

Is the state of Oregon discriminating against Christian homeschooling families?

The case of Tessa Bulzan, a homeschooling mother of five children, would suggest they are.

The Hillsboro School District west of Portland, Oregon, boasts the “Homeschool Partnership,” a program that “exists to support and enhance the educational experience of K-8 homeschooling families through hands-on activities, enriching field trips, and quality music and PE classes.”

District officials state, “We aim to inspire a love of learning, strengthen community connections, and provide essential resources—including a curriculum allowance—to empower families in creating personalized, meaningful education.”

In highlighting the program, school administrators end their pitch with a -word invitation: “Enroll now!”

Tessa Bulzan, an Oregon resident, former U.S. Marine, Duke University MBA graduate and corporate professional, decided to take them up on their offer.

The state program reimburses homeschooling parents for the cost of their qualifying curriculum, classes, and supplies.

As Christians, the Bulzans chose two specific curricula: Abeka and Classical Conversations.

Both courses of study have a faith-based foundation and are academically rigorous. Abeka, which provides material for both homeschool and traditional institutions, promises that “Each subject’s content comes from the work of skilled, dedicated scholars who have conducted primary research.” Classical Conversations is a popular and trusted resource that pledges “to equip homeschool parents with the confidence to raise bright, observant students who have a lifelong love of learning.”

The Hillsboro School District initially told Tessa that she could use the curriculum of her choice, even one that had a faith component to it, so long as it was academically focused. 

The Alliance Defending Freedom’s Kate Anderson, who is now representing the family in their dispute with the school district, explained:

“The school district indicated that the curriculum met all of the state standards, that it could be used in the program, and even afterwards in the appeal, there was no question as to the academic rigor of the program,” Anderson told CBN. 

Yet, the district ultimately declined reimbursement, citing its “Christian beliefs and themes” and “the Christian and biblical worldview that is taught” throughout both products.

The Bulzans’ appeal was denied.

Tessa decided to test the district and discovered that it would reimburse families for a range of unconventional or liberal educational materials, including a book featuring a boy who participates in a parade with men in drag.The district also covered the cost of a book featuring Native American spirituality. 

Kristen Waggoner, ADF’s president, noted the hypocrisy of such an uneven policy.

“The First Amendment does not permit this kind of blatant religious discrimination,” she wrote on X. “Government can’t turn people away from otherwise-available public benefits due to their faith.”

For Tessa Bulzan, the issue is about a lot more than simply receiving reimbursement for school supplies. 

“I want Christian families, and families of any religious nature that want to bring up their children in a way that they believe, that they have the ability to,” she reflected. “I want creators of Christian curriculum to be able to sell their curriculum without having to find workarounds so that it can be funded within the school district.”

Attorneys with ADF have now filed a lawsuit against the Hillsboro School District in federal court. As the suit progresses through the courts, ADF is asking a judge to issue a preliminary injunction requiring the school district to stop its religious discrimination in the reimbursement program. 

“When a school district penalizes a mother for how she chooses to raise and educate her children, it strikes at the fundamental right – and duty – every parent has to direct their child’s upbringing and education,” wrote ADF. “Since Hillsboro helps homeschooling families with reimbursement, it’s wrong and unconstitutional to deny that help to families who choose to teach from a Christian and biblical worldview.”

You may recall the United States Supreme Court is already planning to hear oral arguments in a tangentially related case in Colorado – St. Mary Catholic Parish v. Roy. The outcome of that case will determine whether Colorado can condition preschool funding on compliance with nondiscrimination requirements.

In this instance, the heart of the matter comes down to this fundamental question: When the government makes a public benefit available, when can it impose conditions that burden religious exercise?

Please join us in praying that the religious liberties of parents and children are upheld in both instances.

Photo courtesy of Alliance Defending Freedom.