Home-schooler Rees Clayton stumps for new bill, chance to play athletics at public schools

Tim Tebow won the Heisman Trophy and led the University of Florida Gators to a national championship in 2007. He recently inked a $33 million contract to play for the Denver Broncos.

Unless the state of Florida had changed its laws, Tebow may never have accomplished any of these feats because he was a home-schooled student.

In Florida, home-schoolers could not play high school athletics until laws were changed in 1996. Several states have since passed “Tebow” laws and Louisiana became one of those states on Aug. 10, 2010 when Gov. Bobby Jindal signed HB 303 into law. The new law allows home-school students to play high school athletics. The student is subject to the same residence and attendance zone requirements of public school students, must be in an approved home school program and show appropriate education al progress.

Jefferson Parish Rep. Cameron Henry, authored the bill. He worked for three years for its passage in order to keep a campaign promise to Lisa Arceri of Metairie. Henry knocked on her door while campaigning and asked what he could do for her if elected. She had three sons, whom she had taught at home, until they were compelled to attend public school in order to play sports. She felt that it was unfair for the children of tax-paying citizens to be excluded from high school athletics just because they were not in public school. Henry promised to do something about it and he did.

Rep. Henry was helped by many others including 13-year-old Rees Clayton, the eight grade son of Brother Cyle and Denise Clayton of Many’s Calvary Baptist Church.

Rees and his mother worked with other home-school students and parents for the passage of the bill. Because their son loves sports, the Claytons felt like it was only fair that students of tax-paying home educators be allowed to participate in the same athletic programs that public school students do.

Rees had the opportunity to attend the bill’s signing on Aug. 10 in Baton Rouge, along with Rep. Henry, Gov. Jindal and other students. Following the signing, Gov. Jindal presented the pen to Rees as a special momento of the occasion.

The Claytons made application for Rees to play football at Many Junior High School, but their request was denied by the principal.

The law does not require schools to admit home-schooled students into athletic programs. It only allows them to play with the principal having the final say.

The Claytons have also contacted the Many High principal to ask of Rees would be allowed to try out for high school football. The response was non-committal. The Claytons said they will apply again next year in hopes that their son will be allowed to play at Many High.