Brazil’s first homeschooling conviction sparks parental-rights debate

A Brazilian couple, Audato and Ieda Denardi, were sentenced to 50 days in prison for 'intellectual neglect' tied to homeschooling their two daughters, marking Brazil’s first criminal conviction of homeschooling parents. The judge criticized the curriculum for lacking gender/sex education and state-approved content, despite prosecutors seeking acquittal and independent experts finding no neglect. The ruling has ignited a debate on educational freedom and parental rights, with advocates arguing for clearer homeschooling regulation; the case is on appeal.