Many students, teachers and supporters came together on Feb. 4, 2025, at the Kentucky State Capitol in Frankfort for a rally organized by Kentuckians for the Commonwealth (KFTC). The gathering emphasized the importance of funding education and the need to provide equal opportunities and resources to all students while promoting values of diversity and inclusivity in schools across Kentucky. 

The gathering centered on the motto "Education Justice Now," bringing together stakeholders to call for responsibility from lawmakers and advocate for reforms that put the interests of students and underserved communities first. The audience shared their enthusiasm as they echoed the rallying cries of the speakers with passion and pride: "What do we want?" "Education Justice!" "When do we want it?" "Now!"

People who care deeply about Kentucky's education system and are personally invested in it drove the rally. It reacted to proposed laws that could undermine the progress in promoting diversity and inclusion efforts in Kentucky schools. These bills, previously proposed last year, include House Bill 9 and Senate Bills 6 and 93, which aim to curb the involvement of students and teachers in diversity programs and restrict access to resources that promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). These bills directly dismantle initiatives that support DEI groups. Many speakers echoed the importance of standing against these measures, emphasizing the need to safeguard students' rights to an inclusive education. 

Ellen Mueller is a Scott County High School senior and communications coordinator for the Kentucky Student Voice Team (KSVT). She expressed her concern about the urgent need to tackle the deep-rooted inequalities affecting Kentucky's public schools. During her speech, Mueller mentioned that KSVT spent years collecting data through surveys, interviews and research, which revealed that the education system in the state is falling short of the standards outlined in the 1989 Rose v. Council for Better Education ruling. She felt that it was not a reflection of educators or school leaders but rather a failure in leadership at the state level. 

Mueller stressed the growing inequality in Kentucky's education system due to funding gaps and inadequate mental health support while highlighting students' challenges in meeting requirements. 

"Students are not receiving the mental health services they need," she said, pointing to the failure of Kentucky schools to meet the student-to-counselor ratios. "This requires a movement of Kentuckians who are proud to stand up for their public schools."

The gathering was a plea for Kentuckians to unite in the battle for an education system that serves everyone equally. Yasmine Bey, a second year PhD student from the University of Louisville, spoke up against the bills that could disband diversity and inclusion efforts on campus. She highlighted the impact these bills could have on students like herself from marginalized communities. Bey declared to the audience that, while external resources may be taken away from us in times of struggle and adversity, within each of us remain pillars of resilience and strength. 

According to KFTC, the organization has always supported education equity, and their dedication was evident during this event's proceedings. They led attendees through workshops and created a space for students and activists to have meaningful discussions with legislators. The  gathering wasn't about protesting, but about establishing a community fighting for long-term transformation. 

"We're not going to compromise," Bonifacio Aleman, one of KFTC's Lead Organizers, said. "We're going to fight for educational justice, we're going to hold the line."

The rally also emphasized the importance of educating and mentoring leaders who can promote education equity in their communities across Kentucky. The gathering aimed to cultivate support for the cause, enabling attendees to participate in the legislative process. During the event, onsite and live streaming options allowed participants to engage from a distance and gain insights into the process of advocating for a just education system in Kentucky. 

As the day went on, a feeling of togetherness persisted as individuals united to resist policies that could negatively impact students in Kentucky. This struggle extends beyond education and consists of equality, social fairness and the importance of creating opportunities for all students to thrive, regardless of their origins. 

At least in part, the fate of Kentucky's public school system rests on the dedication of individuals such as the ones who assembled in Frankfort on Feb. 4. 

"But we know this fight cannot be overwhelmed," Mueller said.

The pursuit of a more fair education is a journey, and as Bey passionately emphasized to the audience, "We must speak, assemble, change, go and work to bring back the truth."

Kentucky students and their supporters have proven their determination through rallies and legal battles to ensure their voices are heard loud and clear in pursuing justice –a cause they passionately advocate for without delay. 

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