CABQ Resolution

City of Albuquerque
Legislative File Number R-07-271 (version 1)
CITY of ALBUQUERQUE
SEVENTEENTH COUNCIL
Establishing A Policy That Homeschooled Children Shall Be Given Equal Access To City
Sponsored Educational Programs
CITY of ALBUQUERQUE
SEVENTEENTH COUNCIL
WHEREAS, there are reportedly over 7,185 homeschooling families in the state of
New Mexico; and
WHEREAS, the number of New Mexico children who receive their education through
homeschooling is growing every year; and
WHEREAS, the City of Albuquerque supports education for all of the children who
reside in the City; and
WHEREAS, the City of Albuquerque provides educational programs at the Biopark
facilities and at various City museums; and
WHEREAS, to encourage attendance at these educational programs and to
maximize attendance among school age children, the City provides reduced rates for
school groups to attend these educational programs; and
WHEREAS, it is currently the City's policy to allow public and private schools to
participate in these educational programs at reduced rates simply by calling the City
and representing that the caller is affiliated with a public or private school; and
WHEREAS, the City policy is to not treat homeschooled children with the same
courtesy and respect as that provided to children in public and private schools and the
City requires as a condition of these children attending reduced rate educational
programs that they provide written individual verification that they are participants in a
homeschooling program; and
WHEREAS, this dual standard of treatment is considered by many homeschooled
children and their parents and guardians to be both demeaning and invasive and
contrary to the City's goal of providing educational benefits to all of its children.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL, THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF
ALBUQUERQUE:
Section 1. It is hereby declared to be the policy of the City of Albuquerque that
homeschooled children shall be given equal access to all City sponsored educational
programs at the City's Biopark facilities and museums as is enjoyed by public and
private school children.
Section 2. Homeschooled children's groups shall be eligible to participate in the
City's educational programs at the City's Biopark facilities and museums upon a
request submitted in the same form as is required of public and private school
programs by stating that the attendees are in homeschooling programs within the City of
Albuquerque and shall not be required to present proof of attendance in such programs
for each attendee.