Can Linda McMahon Stop Connecticut’s New Homeschooling Law? What Powers Does She Actually Have?

• Homeschooling advocates claim Connecticut’s law may violate the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
• Linda McMahon can investigate and interpret federal education laws but cannot directly overturn a state statute.
• The legal battle could influence how other states regulate homeschooling and balance parental rights with child protection.

A dispute over Connecticut’s new homeschooling law has now moved into the federal spotlight after a national homeschooling advocacy group asked U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon to examine whether the measure violates federal student privacy rules.

That request has raised a bigger question: can a federal education official actually stop a state homeschooling law? Legal experts say McMahon may be able to weigh in, investigate or pressure the state through federal channels, but she cannot simply erase Connecticut’s law on her own. The fight has also reopened a familiar debate over states’ rights, parental rights and how far Washington should go in education policy.

Can Linda McMahon Stop Connecticut’s Homeschooling Law?

Homeschooling rules are mostly set and enforced by states, which means Connecticut has the power to decide how homeschooling works within its borders. As education secretary, McMahon can review complaints, interpret federal education law and, if necessary, open an investigation when a state law appears to conflict with federal requirements. But she cannot unilaterally cancel a Connecticut statute. If the law is going to be blocked, that would likely have to happen through a legal challenge, federal enforcement action or a court ruling.

What Is Connecticut’s New Homeschooling Law?

Signed by Gov. Ned Lamont in May, the law marks one of the biggest changes to Connecticut’s homeschooling system in years. Until now, the state had relatively light oversight. Starting July 1, 2027, school districts will have to run a records check with the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) before a child can be withdrawn for homeschooling.

The law says homeschooling cannot move forward if a child lives with an adult listed on the state’s child abuse and neglect registry or if someone in the household is currently under DCF investigation for abuse or neglect. Supporters say the change is meant to better protect children after several high-profile abuse cases, including the death of 11-year-old Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres-Garcia, whose disappearance went unnoticed after she was no longer enrolled in school.

Why Is Linda McMahon Being Asked to Intervene?

The Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) says the Connecticut law violates the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, better known as FERPA. In a June 11 letter to McMahon, HSLDA President Jim Mason asked the U.S. Department of Education to look into whether the law improperly forces school districts to hand over protected student records without parental consent.

Mason argued that the required records check “violates FERPA’s consent requirements and imposes serious burdens on the right of parents to homeschool.” The group says the law treats every homeschooling family like a possible threat instead of focusing on specific cases of abuse.

What Authority Does the U.S. Education Secretary Actually Have?

The Department of Education oversees a wide range of federal education programs, but it does not run state education systems.

The education secretary can:

• Review complaints involving federal education laws.
• Investigate possible violations of federal law.
• Issue guidance on how federal laws should be applied.
• In some cases, threaten federal funding if states fail to meet federal requirements.

Even so, states still have broad control over curriculum, school governance, and homeschooling rules under the U.S. Constitution.

Can the Federal Government Challenge a State Education Law?

If federal officials decide Connecticut’s law conflicts with FERPA or another federal statute, they could investigate and possibly take enforcement action. The law could also be challenged in federal court if plaintiffs argue that it violates constitutional rights or federal law. In the end, it would be the courts, not the education secretary alone, that would decide whether the law stays in place if a challenge succeeds.

Why Connecticut’s Proposal Has Become National News

The fight has tapped into a much larger national debate about homeschooling, parental rights and government oversight. Homeschooling grew sharply during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, and many states have since started rethinking how much regulation makes sense.

Supporters of Connecticut’s law say stronger safeguards are needed so abuse does not go unnoticed. Critics say the measure unfairly targets families who are following the law and intrudes on privacy.

How Connecticut Compares With Other States

Before this law passed, Connecticut was among the least restrictive states in the country when it came to homeschooling. Many other states already require some level of oversight, such as annual notice, curriculum reviews, standardized testing or home visits. Supporters say Connecticut is simply moving closer to the national norm. Opponents argue the new law goes further by tying child welfare checks directly to homeschooling withdrawals.