This story mentions suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call or text 988.
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Some Kentucky students are suing the state, claiming they weren’t provided with an adequate and equitable public education.
Kentucky Student Voice Team (KSVP) shared the details of the lawsuit Tuesday on the steps of the Franklin Circuit Courthouse. The students said they’re guaranteed the right to a quality public education by Kentucky’s constitution.
KSVT said in a release just 41% of Kentucky’s eighth-graders are proficient or above in reading and Kentucky is one of 11 states without a civics course requirement. They said it leaves students unprepared to engage in government processes and civic life.
The group also cited a Kentucky Youth Risk Behavior Survey that said nearly one in five Kentucky high school students reported seriously considering taking their own lives, calling attention to Kentucky’s lack of “adequate counseling resources.”
They added there are some Kentucky schools with no visual or performing arts class while pointing out academic disparities in the latest Kentucky School Report Card.
The lawsuit names the Commonwealth of Kentucky; Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester; House Speaker David Osborne, R-Manchester; the Kentucky Board of Education and Education Commissioner Robbie Fletcher as defendants.
The Kentucky Department of Education told Spectrum News it has no comment at this time.