Statesman of the Year Interview

Tom Tancredo has stood firm for educational freedom as a presidential candidate, U.S. Representative, Colorado Representative, and Independence Institute President. He’s also served on the National Board of Education under the Reagan and Bush administrations. CHEC was honored to present Tancredo with our Statesman of the Year award at the 2016 Homeschool Day at the Capitol as an appreciation of his stance for liberty in the public realm.

1. What is your vision for educational freedom in America?

“Education freedom is the only answer to the destruction of the government school system that has occurred over the last fifty years, the only thing that can cause an educational renaissance in this country. It’s the only thing that has the power of its own and has an agenda — all starting with the charter school movement. I only hope that it will continue to grow.”

2. What opportunities have you had to stand up for educational liberty and parental rights as you served in the U.S. Department of Education as well as the Colorado House of Representatives and the U.S. Congress?

“I was the author and the person who put the 1992 Voucher Initiative on the ballot here in Colorado. I was the president of the Independence Institute, and what we did was push educational choice. When I was in the legislature and in the State House I did the same.”

3. What has been your experience with homeschooling? Has there been a particular instance that opened up your eyes to its benefits?

“I spoke to the first homeschooling conference here in Denver at a church in Applewood — that was many moons ago. You know the kids that come out of homeschools are great, they are academically great, they are ready for life. Not all the time, but that’s the great majority.”

4. Do you have a word for the homeschool families of Colorado?

“Be aware of the fact that your greatest danger comes from the success of the moment. As long as it doesn’t cause the educational establishment to fear that they will be overwhelmed by it, as long as they consider it to be the small part of the educational agenda, you will be fine. But the moment when it becomes a threat, you could become the victim of your success, and they will come after you with everything that they’ve got.”

Well, CHEC is so thankful for all that you have done to promote homeschool freedom.

“I do it not only for the homeschool movement, but for our country. I believe that it is imperative that you have kids not indoctrinated in the public schools system but can actually understand what America is about.”

Thank you so much, Mr. Tancredo. You have a blessed day!