2.8.2026
Judge Rules Kentucky Students Have a Right to Be Heard in Education Lawsuit
Judge Philip Shepherd denied the defendants’ motions to dismiss our litigation and affirmed that students unequivocally have standing to bring this litigation to trial. This is a resounding victory for Kentucky students, but it also marks the first step in a long judicial process.
On Thursday, February 5, 2026, the Kentucky Student Voice Team (KSVT) received a ruling from the Franklin County Circuit Court on our lawsuit, Kentucky Student Voice Team v. Commonwealth of Kentucky, which seeks to address the state’s systemic failure to fulfill its constitutional obligation to provide students with an adequate and equitable education as guaranteed by the 1989 Rose v. Council for Better Education state supreme court decision.
Judge Philip Shepherd denied the defendants’ motions to dismiss our litigation and affirmed that students unequivocally have standing to bring this litigation to trial. This is a resounding victory for Kentucky students, but it also marks the first step in a long judicial process.
What: Press Conference for Invited Media
Who: Members of the Kentucky Student Voice Team (KSVT); individual student plaintiffs, their families; and legal representatives
When: Monday, February 9, 2026, at 3:30 p.m.
Where: Steps of the Franklin Circuit Courthouse, 222 St. Clair Street, Frankfort, KY
At the press conference, students will outline our takeaways from the ruling and lay out our next steps as the case continues to work through Kentucky’s judicial system. Adult partners will be on site to discuss the broader implications of the case in Kentucky and beyond.
The event will highlight KSVT’s commitment to ensuring that every student in the Commonwealth has access to the resources, opportunities, and support necessary to thrive.
Visuals and Opportunities for Media:
- Live remarks from student plaintiffs and legal representatives.
- Opportunities to interview plaintiffs, their families, and legal experts.
- Visual backdrop of the Franklin Circuit Courthouse and a Report Card issued to the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
For opportunities to hear from KSVT at public events, sign up for our email newsletter or follow the team on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
About Kentucky Student Voice Team
The Kentucky Student Voice Team (KSVT) is an independent, statewide, 501(c)(3) organization co-founded in 2012 by a group of Kentucky high school students. As a collective of young people, KSVT is on a mission to co-create more just, democratic Kentucky schools and communities as research, policy-advocacy & storytelling partners.