A West Virginia college student is back in the classroom after the school kicked him out because he was homeschooled.
In March, 22-year-old Jacob Berry was dismissed from West Virginia Junior College in Bridgeport.
Berry was homeschooled by his father, Dr. Nathan Berry, and his mother, Cynthia Berry, who holds a lifetime teacher’s license. Upon graduation, he worked a few odd jobs before deciding to study information technology at the local community college this past Fall.
Berry’s dismissal from the college came despite his compliance with the college’s enrollment process and making straight A’s in his courses.
He was told that his presence on campus jeopardized the school’s federal funding and he was given one day to produce an accredited diploma.
Homeschooled students in the state self-certify completion of a home education program, so Berry was unable meet the request and was booted out.
The president of the college suggested he take the GED, saying he was an intelligent young man who would do well on the test.
Berry’s family contacted the Homeschool Legal Defense Association and he was eventually reinstated. Attorney Mike Donnelly represented the family in the case.
He told CBN News that the disruption was unnecessary and shows how ill-informed officials can cause problems for home educating families.
“It’s a great success story but it shouldn’t ever happen,” Donnelly said. “It just shows that there are still people out there who don’t understand and who are willing to do these kind of things.”
Meanwhile, newly passed legislation in the state will prohibit such discrimination against homeschool graduates.
CBN News will have an in-depth look at the growing pressures faced by homeschooling families at a later date on The 700 Club.
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