Understanding the New GATOR Scholarship in Louisiana: A Biblical Perspective on Education and Parental Responsibility
The introduction of the new GATOR Scholarship in Louisiana has stirred conversation among parents, educators, and policymakers alike. As homeschool families in the state navigate the implications of this new program, it’s essential to understand what it means and how it aligns with our responsibilities as Christian parents.
At Homeschool Louisiana, we recently invited Erin Buratt Bendily, Senior VP of Pelican Institute, and Kaleb Moore from the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) to discuss the new GATOR Scholarship. While the scholarship is being marketed as a benefit for parents, we believe it is important to provide clarity, especially regarding its impact on homeschooling families in the state.
Government Funding and the Risks of Government Control
One of the central concerns with the GATOR Scholarship is that it is taxpayer-funded. While it may seem like a helpful financial aid option, we firmly believe that government funding can often come with strings attached—strings that limit the freedom and flexibility that are vital to the way we approach education within the home.
As the old adage goes, “Government shekels lead to government shackles.” This holds true not only in the context of education but also in every area where we allow the government to step in and fund what should be the personal responsibility of parents. As Christians, we are called to exercise stewardship over the resources and opportunities God provides us, and that includes making decisions about the education of our children.
Proverbs 22:6 encourages us, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” For homeschool families, this biblical principle means that we are entrusted with the responsibility to shape the hearts and minds of our children in a way that honors God—something that may be compromised if we rely too heavily on government funding and influence.
The GATOR Scholarship: What You Need to Know
While some proponents of the GATOR Scholarship have claimed that homeschoolers can take advantage of the program, it’s important to note that there are significant limitations for families who wish to participate.
The GATOR Scholarship cannot be used by students who are enrolled in an Approved Home Study Program or the nonpublic not seeking state approval option. This is a critical distinction, as it means that parents who choose to use the scholarship are no longer considered homeschoolers by state law. This is similar to the decision to enroll a child in public or private school.
We worked with the Pelican Institute for Public Policy and Senator Edmonds last legislative session to ensure that language was included in the bill that would protect homeschool families in Louisiana. The bill also includes language ensuring that students who take advantage of the GATOR Scholarship meet compulsory attendance law. Essentially, the GATOR program is a new way to educate in Louisiana. Parents choose public, private, homeschool (utilizing Approved Home Study or nonpublic not seeking state approval laws) or GATOR. With GATOR, the parent directs the funds to the educational style that best fits their students.
What Homeschool Louisiana Defines as Homeschooling
As an organization, Homeschool Louisiana defines homeschooling as “parent-directed and privately funded.” This means that true homeschooling, in our eyes, involves parents making decisions about curriculum, teaching methods, and educational goals while fully funding the costs of educating their children. When taxpayer money is involved, it changes the dynamic and introduces potential government oversight or control.
Thus, while it is technically possible for parents to use the GATOR Scholarship and still teach their children at home, this does not align with our understanding of homeschooling. For us, homeschooling is about parental autonomy and the freedom to make choices about how and what our children learn.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 reminds us, “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” True homeschooling involves parents who take full responsibility for the education of their children without external interference or restrictions.
A Word of Caution and Clarity
We understand that many families face financial challenges and that the GATOR Scholarship may appear to be an attractive option. However, we encourage parents to carefully consider the long-term implications of accepting government funding for their children’s education. We are not advising parents to take or avoid the scholarship, but we do believe it is important to make an informed decision that aligns with your values and educational goals.
For those who still wish to learn more about how the GATOR Scholarship works, we invite you to watch the video here for additional clarity on the program’s details.
Conclusion: Empowering Parents in Their God-Given Role
Ultimately, the decision about how to educate our children belongs to parents. In Ephesians 6:4, Paul instructs fathers, saying, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” This call is not limited to providing for their physical needs but extends to the spiritual and intellectual formation of our children.
Whether you decide to pursue the GATOR Scholarship or continue homeschooling without government involvement, we encourage you to approach the decision prayerfully, seeking wisdom and discernment. The education of our children is a sacred responsibility, and we must strive to honor God in every step of the process.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Jessie Leger
Director of Legislative Affairs
