Category: Wisconsin v. Yoder

This case document almost feels unreal, like I’m reading a dystopian novel. It’s like every child of the Amish had their futures decided for them before they can even read.

Attorney William Ball somehow successfully argued that because no crimes are reported in the Amish community, no crimes — including child abuse — have been committed. In the age of the #MeToo movement, an implication like that would never stand in the courtroom of today. Ball’s statement is grossly unjust.

Taking away a child’s rights to education also takes away their future, and ensures that the child lives the way that the parents want them to live, instead of letting them decide that for themselves.

Attorney William B. Ball talks about us Amish like we’re animals in a zoo. I’m a human, an actual child, but I’m addressed as if I’m merely property or a specimen to be tossed about with no rights and feelings.

It took a mere 1 hour to seal the fate of American children who happened to be born into the wrong group of people.

One of the things I recommend that everyone listens to is the actual audio from the 1971 hearing. It’s only 1 hour and 3 minutes long. There were no other hearings. 

The audio of the 1971 Wisconsin v. Yoder hearing is spooky. The old technology from 50 years ago makes the sound of the voices crackle and echo, like an old-time radio murder mystery show during the golden days of network broadcasting before television.

I hope you listen to this audio of the 1971 Wisconsin v. Yoder hearing, and that it brings up the appropriate emotions of shock, anger, speechlessness, etc.