Letter: HB 209 is reckless and dangerous
Gavin Peterson loved science and learning about the solar system. His favorite color was blue, and he enjoyed Pokémon and playing on his Nintendo Switch. But Gavin’s life was tragically cut short on July 9, 2024, after enduring years of horrific torture, beatings, and neglect at the hands of his parents.
When caring staff at Gavin’s elementary school noticed signs of severe malnutrition and physical abuse, they reported it. In response, Gavin’s parents pulled him out of school under the guise of homeschooling–a common tactic used by abusive parents to hide their children from mandatory reporters like teachers.
This is why Utah House Bill 209 is so alarming. If passed, it will make it easier for abusive parents to isolate their children by removing the requirement for parents to sign an affidavit stating they have not been convicted of crimes against children. Utah’s current law, which already sets a dangerously low bar for homeschooling, simply asks parents to attest they haven’t committed serious crimes against kids–a minimal safeguard.
In the wake of tragic cases like Gavin’s and the children of Ruby Franke, weakening these protections is reckless and dangerous. I urge legislators to vote NO on HB 209.
Isaac Thomas
Harrisville