Andrew Coates has been banned from becoming a professional firefighter – simply because he was homeschooled.
Andrew, 22, is an EMT. He's a trained first responder. He's a volunteer firefighter who was named Rookie Firefighter of the Year. Becoming a professional firefighter remains his dream in a life devoted to public service. But officials in the city of Fremont, Nebraska, have shut the door.
Banned simply because he was homeschooled.
The message is loud and clear – homeschooled graduates need NOT apply. The government is turning homeschooling – a lawful parental choice for education – into a lifelong penalty.
Andrew isn't asking for special treatment. He's asking to be judged on what matters: his qualifications, his training, his character, and his record of service – all areas where homeschoolers excel.
The ACLJ is representing Andrew and defending the choice to homeschool. We're fighting to end this discriminatory barrier and ensure that Andrew – and EVERY homeschool graduate nationwide – has an equal opportunity to pursue the career of their choice.
Take action with the ACLJ as we fight to ensure homeschool graduates aren't treated as second-class citizens.