A Lawsuit Echoing the Rose v. Council for Better Education Case
More than 30 years after the historic Rose v. Council for Better Education lawsuit transformed Kentucky’s public schools, the state faces another legal challenge questioning its ability to provide an adequate and equitable education. Filed on January 14, the new lawsuit, brought forth by nine students from the Kentucky Student Voice Team, alleges that Kentucky is failing to meet its constitutional obligations. This case draws inspiration from the 1989 Rose decision, where the Kentucky Supreme Court deemed the state’s education system inequitable and inadequate. That landmark ruling led to the Kentucky Education Reform Act (KERA) of 1990, which sought to bridge the gap in education between wealthy and poor districts.
The Rose ruling emphasized the importance of equitable education, stating, “The children of the poor and the children of the rich…must be given the same opportunity and access to an adequate education.” Despite the reforms brought by Kentucky Education Reform Act , recent declines in funding, teacher pay, and educational resources have threatened the progress made over the decades, according to the lawsuit announcement.
Concerns Over Declining Standards and Resource Inequities
The lawsuit highlights several alarming trends undermining Kentucky’s public schools . It points to the state’s declining literacy rates, with only 41% of eighth graders reading at a proficient level. Other critical issues include the lack of a required civics course, disparities in resources across districts, and insufficient mental health support for students. According to state data, roughly 18% of high schoolers reported seriously considering suicide, yet many schools lack adequate counseling staff, with some having no counselors at all.
Student plaintiff Luisa Sanchez, a junior from Boyle County High School, emphasized that the lawsuit targets systemic issues rather than individual educators. “We see the dedication of educators every day, but the root cause of these challenges lies in state-level decision-making and resource inequities,” Sanchez said.
Education advocates argue that while KERA initially propelled Kentucky forward in national education rankings, its foundational elements, such as equitable funding and accountability systems, have been undermined. A recent investigation by The Courier-Journal found that these critical components have been underfunded, altered, or otherwise neglected over time.
Students Push for Accountability and Kentucky Education Reform Act
The lawsuit is not just a legal battle but part of a larger movement led by the Kentucky Student Voice Team to advocate for systemic change. The student plaintiffs, with support from Columbia University’s Teachers College and Harvard Law School, announced the lawsuit outside a Frankfort courthouse. They plan to host public hearings across the state to gather input from stakeholders and craft actionable recommendations for improving Kentucky schools.
“This lawsuit is just the beginning,” said Peter Jefferson, a senior from Henry Clay High School. “Real change will require the input, ideas, and commitment of all Kentuckians. Together, we can create a future where every student has access to the education they deserve.”
Jennifer Ginn, a spokeswoman for the Kentucky Department of Education, declined to comment on the lawsuit. However, the case has already sparked renewed discussions on the state’s responsibility to uphold its constitutional promise of quality public education. As Kentucky’s public schools once again faces scrutiny over its education system, students and advocates hope to reignite the legacy of the Rose decision and push for meaningful reforms that address long-standing inequities.
