This law hurts parents and their children

German citizens convicted of breaking the law are subject to considerable fines, prison sentences or the grim reality that their children can be taken away. But these penalties aren’t just for heavy offences – they’re for those who violate the government-imposed sanctions on home education.

So, what does it look like when governments fail to uphold national and international law that protects parents’ rights? Just look to the Wunderlich family and the Association for Decentralized Learning.

In Germany, a mother and father’s right to freely direct their children’s educational upbringing is severely restricted. Homeschooling is even forbidden.

When 33 police officers and seven social workers approached the Wunderlich family’s house in 2013, they had no idea that all four children would be seized by police and taken away because of their parents’ choice to homeschool.

Officials told the family “to learn to deal with those who think differently” in response.

The European Court of Human Rights sided with the German government, and the Wunderlichs’ rights as parents were not restored.

In a free society, parents raise their children, not the state.

Parents have the right to place their children in schooling that reflects their convictions and worldview, and that enables them to flourish.

Now, we’re challenging Germany’s unjust educational restrictions once again at Europe's top human rights court on behalf of a private hybrid school provider.

Despite fulfilling state-mandated criteria and curricula, the Association for Decentralized Learning was denied accreditation to offer primary and secondary education for students. The school has successfully offered an educational model based on in-person, digital, and independent at-home learning for nine years.

Support Parents' Rights!

Germany is hindering parents’ rights to lead and direct the upbringing of their children despite its signed international human rights agreements on the matter.

With these severe educational restrictions, Germany is violating the very right to educational freedom enshrined in its own constitution and in international law.

It’s no wonder why now more than ever, many European and North American families are seeking educational alternatives for their children outside of state-run systems:

Many parents are concerned with the rigid ideological conformity promoted by Western governments. Still, others just want an educational approach that best suits their children’s needs.

Millions of everyday parents like the parents of the Association for Decentralized Learning are committed to raising their children in accordance with their beliefs.

Will you help protect their rights from further restriction?

German lower courts acknowledge the school’s satisfactory level of education. But the judiciary criticised the school’s model because of a lack of student socialisation during breaks and between lessons.

Shouldn’t an innovative school fostering academic excellence and self-responsibility be welcomed?

This private school should be free to operate in accordance with both German and international law without intimidation. That’s just one reason why we support their defence at Europe’s top Human Rights Court.

Will you stand strong with these parents by supporting their defence?

When you protect the rights of parents, you are really protecting children. That’s because schools are the stewards of the child’s education, not the ultimate authority when it comes to their education and worldview. This case challenges the status quo of restricted educational freedom and parents’ rights not only in Germany but around Europe.

Thank you for ensuring this crucial defence.