He was banned from being a firefighter simply because he was homeschooled. It’s outrageous.
Andrew Coates is a volunteer firefighter and was named the Rookie Firefighter of the Year. As a Christian, he is dedicated to saving lives. His family chose to homeschool him. Now he’s 22 years old, and the city of Fremont, Nebraska, has decided that his homeschool diploma isn’t good enough – that he can’t become a full-time firefighter – simply because he was homeschooled. The city created the rule AFTER he applied.
His family followed Nebraska homeschool laws. He’s a state-certified EMT. He has proven he can do the job as a volunteer, but the city won’t budge simply because his Christian family chose to homeschool him.
The ACLJ is dedicated to school choice and to defending homeschoolers. We’re taking immediate legal action. Andrew – or any homeschooler – should NEVER be banned from their career choice simply for being homeschooled. Today it’s firefighters; tomorrow it could be nurses, teachers, or any other profession.
We’re demanding the city repeal the homeschool ban and let Andrew become a firefighter. And we need you to stand with us.