SB-1322 prohibits the anonymous reporting of suspected child abuse or neglect allegations, referring such anonymous reports to the local 9-1-1 service. Homeschool Oklahoma recognizes that homeschoolers have long been subject to false child abuse complaints by people who merely disagree with their decision to homeschool. Therefore Homeschool Oklahoma supports this bill.
Some important notes about the bill: SB-1322 requires that the reporting party give the state authorities their identification to verify their information. Many people who might submit false child abuse complaints will do so more readily if they don’t have to identify themselves. So this bill may prevent false claims. However, requirements to identify oneself should not prevent people from reporting true abuse claims to authorities. Under this bill the accused is not informed about who is reporting on them.
Homeschool Oklahoma is against abuse and neglect of every kind, but we are also in favor of due process for the accused, and therefore we believe the requirement that an individual reporting abuse allegations to identify themselves is a reasonable request.
