for all, without stipulating compulsory education to a certain, fixed age. The Court also pointed out that in terms of the economic advantages of education, the Amish had for 300 years proven their ability to be self-sufficient and successful.
The Court examined the unchallenged testimony of religious and educational experts in favor of the Amish point of view. Among the experts was Dr. John Hostetler, a specialist in Amish society. Dr. Hostetler's testimony asserted that "the modern high school is not equipped, in curriculum or social environment, to impart the values promoted by Amish society." Dr. Hostetler further contended that modern secondary schooling might result in psychological damage to Amish youth. Worse yet, such schooling might contribute to the ultimate destruction of the Old Order Amish church community. Dr. Donald Erickson testified that the Amish provided an excellent learning environment for their children, given the adult roles of farming and householding that Amish children are expected to assume when they reach adulthood. In ana
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