On Tuesday, students from Kentucky, including members of the Kentucky Student Voice Team, filed a lawsuit against the state. They claim Kentucky has not met its duty to provide every student with a fair and quality public education as required by the state constitution.
The lawsuit, presented in Franklin Circuit Court, builds upon the 1989 Rose decision. This landmark case led to the Kentucky Education Reform Act (KERA) in 1990, which significantly improved the state’s education system. The students argue it’s time to return to the promises of that decision, focusing on everything from classroom discussions to emotional well-being and better pay for teachers.
“Generations before us fought hard for better schools in Kentucky, and we want to make sure that commitment continues for every student,” said Danielle Chivero, a student from Tates Creek High School in Lexington. “Our schools should enable us to succeed no matter where we live or our families’ income.”
According to the students, funding and teacher salaries have decreased over the years, endangering the progress initially made. The Kentucky Student Voice Team consists of young individuals advocating for equitable education and aims to address the pressing issues within the state’s education system.
The lawsuit targets key figures including Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers and House Speaker David W. Osborne, along with the Kentucky Board of Education and Commissioner Robbie Fletcher. The students argue that state leaders have not upheld their responsibilities to maintain a high-quality education system, as outlined in the Rose decision.
The Kentucky Department of Education has not provided immediate comments. However, a spokesperson for Governor Andy Beshear reiterated that more funding for K-12 schools is essential. The governor has consistently advocated for increased resources to support teachers and programs like universal pre-K.
The lawsuit claims that academic performance, civic readiness, and students’ overall well-being have significantly declined. Once a leader in educational reform, Kentucky is now lagging behind in key areas. The Kentucky Constitution ensures every student the right to a quality education, a right that the lawsuit asserts is not being honored.
Several alarming issues were highlighted by the students:
- Declining literacy rates: Research shows only 41% of Kentucky eighth graders read at or above grade level.
- Lack of civics education: Kentucky is among just 11 states without a mandatory civics course, putting students at a disadvantage when it comes to understanding government processes.
- Mental health concerns: Nearly 19% of Kentucky high schoolers have seriously considered suicide, and many schools lack adequate counseling resources.
- Limited arts education: Almost 19% of schools offer no visual or performing arts classes at all.
- Large achievement gaps: Some districts have more than a 70-point difference in student achievement.
The Kentucky Student Voice Team collaborated with a law firm and experts from Columbia University and Harvard Law School to prepare their case. They aim to hold the state accountable for not meeting the constitutional standards for education.
“This lawsuit is aimed at uncovering broader issues, not blaming individual teachers or schools,” said Luisa Sanchez, a plaintiff and Boyle County High School student. “The solutions lie in how resources and decisions are handled at the state level.”
The student group plans to hold public hearings throughout Kentucky to hear from various stakeholders about improving education. Their goal is to gather ideas and create actionable solutions.
“This is just the start,” said Peter Jefferson, a member of the team. “We need the involvement of everyone in Kentucky to create a better educational future for every student.”
In conclusion, the lawsuit seeks urgent action to address the decline in education quality and ensure that every student can access a robust and meaningful education. As the case develops, the hope remains that all voices will be heard and considered in the drive for change.
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