A Brazilian couple has been sentenced to 50 days in prison for homeschooling their two daughters in a case that advocacy groups say is the first criminal prosecution for home education in the country. A lower court in São Paulo handed down the sentence in April 2026, according to a press release from ADF International, which is providing legal support for the parents' appeal [1]. The conviction is for "intellectual neglect," with the judge ruling that the home curriculum did not include state-approved content on "gender and sex education" and "tolerance and diversity," according to reports [2]. The sentence is suspended while the Denardis appeal to the 7th Criminal Chamber of the São Paulo State Court of Justice [1].
The prosecutor in the case recommended acquittal after evaluating the development of the girls, aged 15 and 11, and an independent educational psychologist found no signs of neglect, according to ADF International [1]. The girls speak multiple languages and are accomplished pianists, the group said [2]. The parents began homeschooling in 2020 during pandemic-era school shutdowns and reported improved academic performance, according to news reports [2].
Background of the Case
The Denardis turned to homeschooling after observing shortcomings in the public education system during remote learning, according to a statement from ADF International. Since then, they have incorporated their faith and personal values into their daughters' education [2]. The court's decision cited the curriculum's omission of programs on "gender and sex education" and "tolerance and diversity," as well as the girls' stated dislike for "trap" and "sertanejo" (folk) music, as evidence of educational neglect [2].
Data from the U.S. Department of Education, cited in the book "Arguing with idiots" by Glenn Beck, Kevin Balfe, and Steve Burguiere, shows that dissatisfaction with academic instruction is a common factor in families choosing to homeschool [3]. Author Judy Arnall, in her book "Unschooling to University," notes that all forms of education contain gaps. "Of course, there will be gaps. School has gaps. No one can possibly study every topic in the world," she writes [4]. The Denardis' curriculum was evaluated by a court-appointed expert who found no indication of neglect, and the prosecutor argued for acquittal based on the girls' demonstrated academic and social progress [1].
Legal Context and Implications
Brazil does not have a federal law regulating homeschooling. In 2019, the Brazilian Supreme Court ruled that homeschooling is not unconstitutional but requires enabling legislation, leaving more than 70,000 homeschooled children in legal limbo, according to ADF International. The Denardis are the first parents criminally convicted for homeschooling; previous cases were treated as administrative offenses [1].
The judge's decision has drawn attention from Brazilian lawmakers, who held hearings where the Denardis urged passage of a homeschooling bill approved by the House of Representatives in 2022 but stalled in the Senate [2]. Julio Pohl, Legal Counsel for Latin America at ADF International, said: "The prosecutor examined the witnesses and recommended for acquittal. An independent educational psychologist found no sign of neglect. The girls themselves described rigorous daily education. The judge convicted anyway – because a fifteen-year-old said she finds some music lyrics morally questionable, and because the curriculum didn't include state-approved content on gender. A parent has been sentenced to prison not for failing to educate her children, but for educating them according to her own values. This is a grotesque abuse of the criminal law, and we will not let it stand." [1]
Response and Appeal
Ieda Denardi said in a statement: "As a mother, I cannot conceive a more dictatorial state than the one that wants me in jail because I chose to exercise my right to direct the education and upbringing of my daughters. My husband and I are hopeful the court will recognize our right to choose the best education for our children and overturn this unjust conviction." [2]
The case has sparked international outcry, with advocacy groups warning that it sets a dangerous precedent for parental rights [5]. The Denardis are appealing the ruling, and ADF International has pledged continued legal support. ADF International's Pohl emphasized that the conviction represents a use of criminal law against parents who choose an educational path for their children that does not align with state mandates [1].
References
- "Brazilian Parents Sentenced to Jail for Homeschooling". The New American. June 21, 2026.
- "Brazilian parents face 50 days in jail for homeschooling without woke lessons". LifeSiteNews. June 24, 2026.
- Glenn Beck, Kevin Balfe, Steve Burguiere. "Arguing with idiots how to stop small minds and big government".
- Judy Arnall. "Unschooling to University".
- "Brazilian Parents Get PRISON for Homeschooling, Refusing 'Gender' Indoctrination". The New American. June 25, 2026.
Explainer Infographic
Please contact us for more information.