Policy
Advocating for Kentucky Students in Frankfort
The Kentucky Student Voice Team tracks and advocates for policies as a part of our larger organizational mission to co-create more just, democratic schools and communities and ensure that the voices of Kentucky students inform education decision making at every level.
As part of this work, we advance broad student representation on school governance bodies and advocate for policies that advance educational equity and excellence.
Our Priorities
During the 2022-23 legislative session, we are prioritizing 8 key issues facing Kentucky students.
student representation
diversity, equity and inclusion
administrative transparency
mental health
school funding
attendance and truancy
college preparation and accessibility
student censorship
our Values
In order for us to determine whether and how to publicly support a bill or policy, we first ask ourselves a series of questions. We do so to ensure we are consistent with our mission and can leverage both the lived experiences and expert knowledge of Kentucky's students to make the most impact.
Do the voices of Kentucky students make a difference?
We prioritize education issues for which the voices and perspectives of Kentucky students, and especially those that may be the least heard, bring unique added value to the conversation.
Does KSVT in particular bring a unique perspective to the issue?
There are many education issues for which it makes sense for youth-centered groups and students beyond our organization to be out front. Before determining how visible we want to be in supporting a policy or bill, we consider that and ask ourselves if the KSVT can add an essential perspective to a public conversation that is otherwise missing.
Does it fit within our mission statement?
We want to be sure any bill or policy we support aligns with our mission to co-create more just, democratic Kentucky schools and communities.
Is it bipartisan?
To ensure both credibility and lasting impact and to honor our nonprofit status, any legislation we prioritize should have some bipartisan support.
Is the legislation meaningful?
The legislation in question should advance a cause and have a measurable impact on Kentucky students.
Can we build on existing energy to advance this cause?
We are most effective when we can build on existing community energy and work in coalition around an issue. To do that, we look to partner with people who are fueled by credible research and who are committed, as we are, to advancing education justice.
What's on our radar
Senate Bill 5: An Act relating to education and Declaring an Emergency
Status
03/02/23: Sent to Education Committee
Bill Summary
Senate Bill 5 would require local school boards to adopt a complaint resolution policy to address parent complaints and concerns about classroom materials they suspect to be "harmful to minors." This is classified as material that is deemed obscene or offensive to existing standards of what is suitable materials for students. It also requires the school to make sure that a student whose parent has filed a complaint does not have access to the material in question. This resolution policy is outlined in the bill as includes various requirements including that the school principal will determine whether student access to the material in question should be restricted and this decision will be subject to review by the local board of education.
KSVT Take
KSVT opposes this legislation. While the premise of the legislation appears to be reasonable and benign, legislation that restricts our access to information and appears to be harmless on paper has historically and consistently been enforced in a discriminatory manner. PEN America states that over 40% of titles that have been banned across the country have protagonists or prominent characters who are LGBTQIA+ and 40% of banned titles feature prominent characters of color. According to KSVT's Race to Learn report, 46% of students of color report that their racial or ethnic group is rarely or never represented in materials in the classroom. Furthermore, most Kentucky school boards already have policies in place to address parent concerns and restrict student access to obscene material. Legislation like Senate Bill 5 will only create more opportunities for the erasure of the stories of marginalized groups from classrooms, leaving students isolated and ill-equipped to interact with the diverse world they live in.
House Bill 82: An Act relating to dyslexia
Status
01/04/23: Introduced to Committee on Committees
Bill Summary
House Bill 82 requires local school boards to require a policy on dyslexia and to include items listed in KRS 158.307. The bill also requires that schools with teacher preparation programs include instruction on dyslexia by the 2024-25 school year.
KSVT Take
KSVT is in support of House Bill 82. The team recognizes that the legislation will provide needed support for students with dyslexia. The legislation improves teacher preparation and handling and can overall aid literacy rates in Kentucky.
House Bill 504: An Act relating to school funding
Status
02/23/23: Introduced to Committee on Appropriations & Revenue
Bill Summary
House Bill 504 changes school funding from being based upon average daily membership instead of the current system, average daily attendance (ADA). In short, funding is based on enrollment instead of attendance.
KSVT Take
KSVT supports this legislation because average daily attendance (ADA) is outdated. ADA disproportionately impacts schools in lower income areas and fails to account for the mental health of students. By basing funding on membership, students can take the time needed for their health without impacting the funding of their school for doing so.
House Bill 470: An Act relating to the protection of children
Status
03/02/23: 3rd reading, passed 75-22 with Committee Substitute
Bill Summary
House Bill 470 bans gender affirming healthcare to children 18 years or younger and says such treatment is "unethical and unprofessional conduct." Such treatment is subject to investigation under this legislation, and if a healthcare provider is found to have provided these services, their license is to be revoked and they are liable for any costs and damages sustained, and the same is true for any insurance company who insures a patient. HB470 classifies failure to report these services as a crime. This bill also bans public funding to be used to support gender affirming care. School counselors would not be allowed to assist students in receiving gender affirming care and would require that a school notifies a parent if a child expresses a change sex or gender identity.
KSVT Take
KSVT strongly opposes the so-called "Do No Harm Act," because this legislation, if passed, would severely harm the health of youth across Kentucky. All students deserve to feel like they belong in their school and Kentucky, and House Bill 470 would treat those who assist a student's sense of belonging by helping them seek gender affirming care as criminals. Furthermore, it robs trans students of the safe and inclusive environment their school should provide, causing schools to be another place when trans youth are victimized and attacked for the simple act of expressing themselves.
Senate Bill 132: An Act relating to student journalist freedom
Status
02/16/23: Introduced to Education
Bill Summary
SB 132, the New Voices Act will protect student journalists, publications and advisors by recognizing that student journalists have the right to free of speech and press. It would also mandate that unless libelous, obscene, or a violation of federal law, student journalists and their advisors are not allowed to face prior restraint or be disciplined for publishing works through a school sponsored media publication. And finally, the bill requires each local school board to adopt a policy enforcing the bill.
KSVT Take
KSVT supports this legislation as student journalism is crucial in giving students the power and platform to help to tell their stories and create positive change in schools. Read more here.
House Bill 390: AN ACT relating to financial incentives to reduce teacher shortages and making an appropriation therefor
Status
02/21/23: Introduced to Committee on Committees
Bill Summary
HB 390 will direct the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) to create the Student Teacher Stipend Program, paying $8,000 to student teachers. In addition, HB 390 will create the Teacher Recruitment Student Loan Forgiveness Program. The Program will award a one-time payment of 20% of an individual's student debt (up to $10,000) provided they teach for two years.
KSVT Take
KSVT supports this legislation. Teachers are a necessity for a safe and productive classroom environment. Economic barriers to becoming a teacher have led to a teacher shortage, threatening the education of Kentucky's students. These measures take honorable steps to ease the transition into teaching.
House Bill 327: An Act relating to historical instruction
Status
02/15/23: Introduced to Committee on Committees
Bill Summary
HB 327 would require that any world history or world civilization course offered by a public middle or high school that is not an AP course must include instruction on African history and Native American culture and history. These courses will be designed by the Kentucky Board of Education in partnership with the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage and the Kentucky Native American Heritage Commission.
KSVT Take
KSVT is in support of House Bill 387. Students deserve to have a holistic and comprehensive understanding of the diverse world they live in. Ensuring that we have the resources and education needed to have a complete understanding of our country's history, in every aspect, is a necessity to navigate today's world.
House Bill 173: An Act relating to education
Status
2/7/23: Introduced to Committee on Committees
Bill Summary
HB173 will establish a complaint system for when a parent believes those rights have been violated. The bill will require parents to be notified of significant changes in “a child’s gender expression” and the name/pronouns the child uses at school. The parent will also have rights to review curriculum and provide consent to a number of school actions. The bill will ban any policies that would punish an employee for “for refusal or failure to use a name or other identifier in reference to a child that is inconsistent with the child’s information listed on the school enrollment documentation.” HB173 will ban affinity groups around any protected class. The bill will restrict bathroom access for transgender Kentucky students. HB173 will ban teacher-promoted social advocacy for “controversial” subjects. It will also prohibit the discussion of sexual orientation and gender expression that is “inconsistent with biological sex” through eighth grade and restricts such discussion beyond eighth grade to approved curriculum. School employees, under the bill, will not be allowed to discuss their own sexual orientation, sexual preference, or gender expression if it is “inconsistent with their biological sex.” HB173 will ban symbols of sexual orientation or gender expression that are “inconsistent with biological sex,” which includes Pride flags. The bill will also prohibit drag shows within schools.
KSVT Take
KSVT believes that HB173 is an egregious bill designed to target LGBTQ+ Kentuckians, intentionally creating hostile spaces for these students, that is being delivered under the guise of “parent rights.”
House Bill 177: An Act relating to children and declaring an emergency
Status
2/23/23: Introduced to Judiciary
Bill Summary
This bill is framed as a “parental rights” bill. The bill will require parent consent for a number of actions including medical procedures, recording, and education around STDs and sexuality. The bill will ban STD and sexuality education through the 5th grade. Additionally, it will require parental consent for changes to preferred names and pronouns, although it will provide that school personnel will not have to respect parent consent to such changes. It will also allow parents to opt-out of curriculum that does not align with their values.
KSVT Take
KSVT opposes this bill as it creates an unsafe environment for transgender Kentuckian students.
House Bill 136: An Act relating to public postsecondary education institutions
Status
Introduced in House Committee on Committees
Bill Summary
House Bill 136 would add additional voting student members to higher education boards of trustees in Kentucky.
KSVT Take
HB 136 is a fantastic way to include students in the conversation. Since students are the primary stakeholders of their education, legislation like HB 136 is a pivotal step to expand student voice.
Senate Bill 150: An Act relating to rights in public schools
Status
03/02/23: to Education Committee
Bill Summary
SB150 primarily centers around 2 concepts: what information parents have access to about their students and how curriculum surrounding sexuality is taught. Under this legislation, schools would be required to notify parents if their student receives any health or mental health services from the school. Additionally, the Kentucky Board of Education and local school boards cannot adopt or recommend any policies with the intent of keeping any student information confidential from parents. Building on this, the Kentucky Board of Education, Kentucky Department of Education, and local school districts cannot require that schools use a student’s preferred pronouns if they do not align with their assigned sex at birth. Regarding the curriculum aspect of the bill, any school offering curriculum regarding sexuality must allow parents to decline their child’s participation in the course and be provided with an alternate course, review the curriculum and any tests, assignments, surveys, materials, plans, or resources accompanying it.
KSVT Take
KSVT strongly opposes this legislation, as It outrightly targets transgender students by creating an unsafe environment for them both in school and potentially at home. Every student deserves to have a safe, inclusive environment to learn and grow in. SB150 would strip this from students across the state, posing a substantial threat to their well being.
House Bill 203: An Act relating to curriculum
Status
Introduced in House to Committee on Committees
Bill Summary
HB 203 covers a multitude of curriculum changes and clarifications, the most pertinent of which would require public middle and high schools to include instruction on the history of racism including (but not limited to): the transatlantic slave trade, the Civil War, Jim Crow laws, black codes, desegregation, the civil rights movement, redlining, and residential segregation.
KSVT Take
KSVT supports this bill, recognizing that students deserve honest and accurate descriptions of history. Learning the truth will prepare us to engage with the diverse and complex world we live in and help ensure that history is not repeated.
Senate Bill 63: An Act relating to discriminatory practices against a person.
Status
03/02/23: Recommitted to Judiciary Committee
Bill Summary
SB63 would require every local board of education to include prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race in their code of behavior. It would also ban discrimination in schools and workplaces on the basis of hairstyles.
KSVT Take
KSVT is in full support of this bill as it works to combat racial exclusion and allows schools to continue building an inclusive environment for every student.
House Bill 30: An Act Relating to Student Privacy
Status
Introduced to Committee on Committees
Bill Summary
This bill would require schools to designate all multiple-person-capacity restrooms/locker rooms/bathroom facilities as either male or female-only, and would require students to only use the facilities associated with their assigned sex at birth. For students not comfortable doing so, the bill requires parental permission to request other “accommodations,” which cannot include the use of any space used by students of the “opposite biological sex.”
KSVT Take
KSVT strongly opposes this bill which targets already-vulnerable transgender and queer students and lays out policies that would make bathroom use complex, confusing, and dangerous for students who don’t identify with their assigned sex at birth. Read more here.
House Bill 60: An Act relating to moments of silence and reflection
Status
Introduced to the Committee on Education
Bill Summary
House Bill 60 would amend KRS 158.175 to require a 1-2 minute moment of silence in all public schools in Kentucky.
KSVT Take
KSVT strongly opposes this bill as it has an inherently religious purpose that will isolate some Kentuckians, going against the growing need to increase inclusion in schools. Read more here.
Senate Bill 55: An Act relating to providing free feminine hygiene products for elementary and secondary students
Status
Introduced to Appropriations and Revenue
Bill Summary
All public and charter schools with grades 4-12 must make free feminine hygiene products (i.e period products) available to students.
KSVT Take
KSVT supports this bill, as providing feminine hygiene products for students helps to combat period poverty (the inability to purchase or have access to period supplies) in Kentucky as well as helping to create a culture of normality and compassion around periods in schools.
Senate Bill 22: An Act Relating to the Kentucky Board of Education
Status
Introduced in the Senate Education Committee
Bill Summary
SB 22 would alter the current Kentucky Board of Education guidelines and allow the student board member to vote on issues during KBE meetings.
KSVT Take
Student representation is critical, especially in decision-making spaces like the Kentucky Board of Education. Providing voting rights to the student representative would be a major step in the right direction in bringing students into the conversation.
House Bill 161: AN ACT relating to local school board student representatives
Status
Introduced in House to Committee on Committees
Bill Summary
HB 161 is a bipartisan effort that would add non-voting student members to every district school board in the state.
KSVT Take
KSVT is in full support of this legislation. Students can bring a unique perspective to school board meetings. As the primary stakeholders in Kentucky schools, we deserve to have a seat at the table. The fact that the effort is bipartisan is evidence that both political parties understand the value that student voices can bring to conversations surrounding educational policy. Learn more about our thoughts on this bill here. Read more about what others are saying about this legislation here.
House Joint Resolution 9: A Joint Resolution...to develop strategies and a timeline for improving Kentucky students' knowledge and understanding of the Constitution of the United States and the democratic processes.
Status
Introduced to House Education Committee
Bill Summary
The Council of Postsecondary, the Education Professional Standards Board, the Kentucky Board of Education, and Secretary of State’s office will convene to reevaluate curriculum for teaching the constitution.
KSVT Take
As of now, the resolution is fine. What would make it even better is to have a more significant capacity for students to provide input in the process, but there will already be some student input because of the student board member on the Board of Education.
a few things we're proud of
Some of our legislative wins
Powerball promise
Made Kentucky colleges more affordable for 8,000 low-income students by keeping money from the Kentucky Lottery allocated toward education equity.
Save our seats campaign
Passed legislation (HB 178) that secured permanent student representation on the Kentucky Board of Education with bipartisan support.
mental health campaign
Passed legislation (HB 44) that established excused absences for mental health days for students.
teach truth rally
Successfully blocked legislation (HB 14 and HB 18) that would have prohibited teaching accurate American history through a Critical Race Theory (CRT) lens.
How you can advocate for education equity
Testify to Your Local School Board
Education policy gets made at many levels, even at your local school! If you have an idea for a new policy at your school, get in touch with your principal or a member of the school’s Site-Based Decision Making Council (SBDM).
If you want to take it one step further, you can testify in front of your local school board about changes you want to see in your school district. Luckily, Student Voice has compiled a comprehensive guide of everything you need to know to research, write and present a testimony.
Read more about the roles and responsibilities of local School Boards and Site-Based Decisions Making Councils or check out this guide about the different governing bodies in our school system.Connect to Advocacy in Frankfort
If you want to address an issue at the state level, you can call or email your state representative or senator, or contact a member of the Kentucky Board of Education about statewide policies and new legislation ideas. Find your Legislator here.
Since 2019, there has been a student representative serving on the Kentucky Board of Education. Get in touch with them here, or reach out to the Commissioner’s Student Advisory Council.Follow New Legislative Proposals
One of the most important parts of getting involved is keeping track of what’s happening! The Louisville Courier Journal and the Lexington Herald Leader are both great reading resources that cover local and statewide educational policy.
