It’s probably just as well that Subway decided to shut out home-schoolers in the Untied (sic) States. I like Quiznos’ subs better and, as of today, they’re still running their $5 foot-long sub deal, too.
It probably wouldn’t hurt to let you local neighborhood Quiznos know just why they’re getting your business either.
UPDATE: via Michelle’s updated post, here is the bulk of a letter sent back to one of the parents.
We are deeply sorry that the Subway contest has offended you and thank you for voicing your concern. Our intention was never to make independent schooled children feel discriminated against or excluded from this specific promotion. Throughout the course of the year Scholastic runs a number of contests and sweepstakes that are open to all teachers and students. The eligibility of this contest in particular was solely put in place to award a large group of children with the grand prize of $5,000 worth of athletic equipment. We do however understand how home-schooled children could benefit from this type of prizing and will make sure eligibility is open to everyone in future promotions.
To show our gratitude for bringing this matter to our attention, please send us the ages of your children and your address and we would be happy to send you a complimentary book to share with them. We truly appreciate your feedback and will make sure a similar situation does not happen again.
Michelle seems mollified. I’m not so ready to let everyone off the hook here. Two points:
1) Scholastic never intended to make homeschooled kids feel excluded? It’s darned hard to make that claim when the constest specifically says “No home schools will be accepted”. You can’t get much more exclusionary than that. Would you think I was sincere if I said that I never intended to make door to door salesmen feel excluded from my home even though I had just hung out a sign that said “No solicitors”? You’d call me a liar. I suspect that the folks at Scholastic are walking very close to that edge.
2) How could Scholastic not know that home-schooling parents actually do come together and form mutual assistance groups and associations? How does the company, which is in the business of selling stuff to educators, not possess that piece of knowledge? It seems a bit of obtuseness for Scholastic, which sent the letter, not to even know of the existence of the href=”http://www.americanhomeschoolassociation.org/”>American Homeschool Association, which I’m darned sure has driven some business its way.
But hey, the kids are getting a free book, so there’s that. They’re still excluded from the contest, though.
I’m still sticking to Quiznos.
(Update tip to Lori in the comments)
In case you didn’t see it, check back at Michelle’s link. She has an update where Subway responded with a letter and an offer to the homeschooled kids.
I like Quiznos better also but Subway is much closer…LOL
Subway is a private company! They can give prises out to who ever they like. When someone home schools their child they give up certain rights. They are home schooling to not have their child participate with an entire classroom. What makes you think you deserve to pick and choose when you enjoy the benefits of belonging to a public or private school setting. In this case, Subway wants to reward the whole school and not just one person.
jimbo – You do realize that we here in America recognize the rights of the individual over the right of the collective, right? You have things completely backwards.
I understand the “ME” generation. “I want it all and yours too”.
That’s hardly the attitude of home-schooling parents. You apparently don’t know very many if you think that.
Dear Subway,
We have eaten frequently at Subway in the past. Perhaps this is the time to checkout the Quiznos down the street instead. This kind of bigotry is really intolerable.
By “Home Schooling” you elimated yourself from the opportunity to win a contest designed to reward students at a school. You should live with your decision instead of asking them to change their rules to suit your situation.