LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky Student Voice Team filed a lawsuit Tuesday against the state government, alleging the state does not meet the constitutional standard of education.
What You Need To Know
- The Kentucky Student Voice Team is suing the state government
- They allege the state does not meet the constitutional standard of education
- KSVT will hold a series of student-led hearings across the state
- The Kentucky Department of Education and Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, declined to comment
Some reasons KSVT said it filed the lawsuit include:
- Just 41% of Kentucky eighth-graders are proficient or above in reading
- Kentucky is one of 11 states without a civics course requirement; KSVT said this leaves students unprepared to engage in government processes and civic life
- There are some Kentucky schools without visual or performing arts classes
"Taking this lawsuit into court isn’t about blame," said Peter Jefferson, Henry Clay High School senior and KSVT member. "We know that teachers, school administrators, counselors and the countless staff that serve the students across the commonwealth every day are not for the lack of these capacities. They are making efforts in underfunded and under-resourced communities."
"But we understand that there is a standard that needs to be met and lawmakers in Frankfort, Republicans and Democrats alike, have failed to meet that standard."
KSVT will hold a series of student-led hearings across the state.
"We want to give community members a chance on how our system can be improved and how we can continue to honor and uphold the legacy of Rose," Jefferson said.
The lawsuit names the Commonwealth of Kentucky; Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester; House Speaker David Osborne, R-Prospect; the Kentucky Board of Education and Education Commissioner Robbie Fletcher as defendants.
The Kentucky Department of Education and Stivers told Spectrum News they don't have a comment at this time.