Dear [Homeschool co-op director],

After communicating with [co-op administrator] on FB about the new policy of checking in by QR code, I am needing to withdraw [my child] from [homeschool co-op].

In response to the FB post [administrator] made about using the QR code to check in and out on [co-op days], I asked for the option to physically sign in and out and was told that I could not. I was not given the option of checking in and out in any other way than by QR code, and this change was made AFTER classes had already started. Had I known that [co-op] would be utilizing digital checking in and out, I never would have signed up for classes this semester. Since we are now being denied access to classes and are not actually "dropping" classes, I would like to get a full refund in the amount of [$$$] for the classes [child] can no longer attend.

While I understand that this system seemingly makes things easier for you and parents, I believe it is adding to the conditioning of the general public accepting a digital surveillance state. While I do believe this is not your intention, and while I do embrace technology in many parts of my life, I will not comply when it comes to being digitally tracked. When companies and institutions that we trust normalize these interactions, it serves to make the people more accepting of it in more and more parts of our lives, even when it may not be such an innocent exchange of data. "Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." In my opinion, I would modify that quote to include the purchase of "convenience" as well as safety.

I invite you to be a voice against the surveillance state by attending the Rosemount City Council meeting tomorrow night, September 19, at 7pm, where many people from the south metro will be gathering to voice their opinions against Rosemount allowing Meta (FaceBook) to purchase land from the UMN in order to build a data center.

Thank you for all you've done to this point with [homeschool co-op]. I know it has been a welcome addition to homeschool options in the south metro and I know your changes are only meant to be helpful. The change to digital checking in and out makes [co-op] no longer a good fit for our family.

Sincerely,

[Homeschool parents who choose to homeschool in part to avoid being tracked when it's unnecessary and will resist all efforts of the surveillance state even (and often times ESPECIALLY) if it's more "convenient". We will continue to stand for our rights because they are EVERYONE'S rights. If not us, who? If not now, when?]