Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)

Description

The mission of HSLDA is to preserve and advance the fundamental, God-given, constitutional right of parents and others legally responsible for their children to direct their education.

History

HSLDA started with a handful of member families in 1983. Mike Farris worked from his home in Olympia, Washington, and Mike Smith from his law office in Santa Monica, California. Shortly thereafter, Farris was hired to head up the legal department for Concerned Women for America in Washington, D.C. He moved his family east, and the HSLDA office relocated to Fort Worth, Texas.

In 1984, attorney Jordan Lorence was hired to work two part-time jobs; one half of his time was devoted to HSLDA, the other half to CWA. At that time, HSLDA’s membership records were transferred from Fort Worth to Washington, D.C.

Within a year, their membership had grown to the point that a real office and a full-time staff were needed. Melinda Allen was HSLDA’s first full-time employee, followed by the late Christopher Klicka who was hired as executive director to handle membership services and legal contacts. Mike Farris was full-time by the fall of 1986, and Mike Smith by March 1987.

Today, Home School Legal Defense Association employs over 100 staff members in both full and part-time positions. Their office is now located in Purcellville, Virginia, about 50 miles west of Washington, D.C.