New Virginia law to help curb discrimination against homeschoolers applying to military programs

Ryan Carbonel is set to graduate this May from the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program, even though he originally encountered obstacles applying as a homeschool student.

A new Virginia law, House Bill 1231, aims to help more youth like Carbonel pursue their military interests. 

“We’re optimistic that this new legislation will reduce these kinds of problems,” said Scott Woodruff, attorney at the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). “It provides another way to enforce the rules when homeschool students are being denied opportunities they have every right to access.” 

The bill requires school boards to be notified regarding homeschool students’ eligibility to participate in JROTC and will go into effect July 1.

‘A long back-and-forth’ 

Carbonel had applied to an Air Force JROTC program in the fall of 2022 at his local public school, but he was told he was ineligible because he was homeschooled. 

His mother, Ashley, had researched federal laws concerning homeschool participation and tried to persuade school officials to reverse their decision. 

“They had the copy of the law that I gave them,” she said, “but they completely ignored it.”  

After the family reached out to HSLDA, attorney Peter Kamakawiwoole contacted the school district on Carbonel’s behalf. He highlighted a 2020 amendment to federal law, which required public schools to allow eligible homeschool students access to JROTC.

Even though the school ended up enrolling Carbonel into its JROTC program in March 2023, the process involved “a long back-and-forth” between the family and government officials. 

“The school system would have happily turned us away,” Ashley said. “Having someone who can help you know your rights and be able to push back is huge.”

‘A lot of good training and hands-on experience’ 

Since enrolling in the JROTC program, Carbonel has developed an interest in cybersecurity, met with other cadets and competed in several drill teams.

In addition to taking dual-enrollment courses at Regent University, he accepted a scholarship to attend a program at the Marion Military Institute in Alabama this fall. 

“It’s definitely worth it,” he said of his time in JROTC. “You get a lot of good training and hands-on experience working with different people from different backgrounds.” 

Ashley also praised the program for helping her son develop in character and career skills. 

“It’s been a huge blessing, because he’s been able to become more responsible and set an example,” she said. “As a homeschooler, Ryan’s making an extra effort to be involved.”