Parents Sound Alarm as New Jersey Bill Pushes DEI into Homeschooling [WATCH]

New Jersey lawmakers are considering legislation that would require new oversight of homeschooling, prompting concerns from parents and political leaders who say the proposal could significantly alter how families educate their children at home.

The legislation, still in the early stages of consideration, would mandate that homeschooled students submit an annual year-end portfolio of their schoolwork.

They think they own your kids. pic.twitter.com/ZmHeQdXViU

— Corey A. DeAngelis, school choice evangelist (@DeAngelisCorey) September 6, 2025

The portfolio would be reviewed by either a licensed teacher or a psychologist to ensure compliance with state education standards.

Proponents of the bill argue that the measure is aimed at ensuring educational accountability and protecting children from potentially abusive situations.

Critics say the proposal would interfere with parental rights and open the door to ideological requirements, such as mandates to teach subjects like gender identity, diversity and inclusion programs, and climate-related studies.

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These issues have been a focal point of political debate in the state’s education system, where past legislation has required public schools to integrate LGBTQ curriculum.

The bill comes as Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-N.J., prepares to face Republican Jack Ciattarelli in the November gubernatorial election.

Sherrill, who secured the Democratic nomination earlier this year, has supported progressive education policies and backed the inclusion of LGBTQ material in public school instruction.

ATTENTION NJ VOTERS

Mikie Sherill, the Democrat nominee for NJ Governor, says that she will push an LGBTQ agenda in schools and WILL NOT allow parents to opt out.

She wants schools to groom your children.

BEWAREpic.twitter.com/19EVUFm9H4

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) September 5, 2025

Critics argue that if elected, she would expand similar requirements to homeschooling families through state legislation.

Polling shows Sherrill holding a lead of nearly nine points over Ciattarelli, though surveys also indicate strong support for the Republican candidate among independent voters.

Ciattarelli is expected to perform well among black and Hispanic voters, groups that supported President Donald Trump in the 2024 election and were less favorable to Sherrill during the 2025 Democratic primary.

Ciattarelli, who previously ran for governor in 2021 and lost to Democrat Phil Murphy by only three points, has positioned himself as an advocate for parental rights in education.

He has voiced opposition to measures that increase state control over homeschooling and pledged to prevent what he calls unnecessary oversight of families choosing alternative education paths.

According to national statistics, homeschooling has been steadily rising in popularity, with an estimated 4.2 million children now receiving their education at home.

Advocates for homeschooling cite concerns about public school curriculum and a desire for greater parental involvement in their children’s education.

Supporters of the New Jersey proposal maintain that oversight is necessary to ensure children receive adequate instruction and to provide safeguards against abuse.

Opponents counter that the plan is intrusive and would allow political agendas to influence what parents teach their children.

The outcome of the gubernatorial race could play a significant role in determining whether the bill advances.

If Sherrill wins in November, observers say the legislation may gain traction in the state legislature. A Ciattarelli victory would likely mean the proposal would face strong opposition from the governor’s office.

As the debate continues, New Jersey parents and educators are closely watching the legislature and the campaign trail, aware that the election outcome may shape the future of homeschooling policy in the state.