Contact:
Mara Powell
mpowell@kyyouth.org

Statement from Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates

LOUISVILLE, KY – Kentucky students deserve safe environments in which to learn that are free from abuse, with appropriate adults, and that promote their well-being. Today, the House Education Committee reaffirmed their commitment to that imperative with passage of House Bill 275, championed by Chairman James Tipton.

HB 275 mandates that public schools, charter schools, and certified nonpublic schools cannot enter into nondisclosure agreements regarding misconduct involving minors or students. It also introduces the definition of abusive conduct and requires rigorous background and reference checks for school district applicants, requires investigation of abusive conduct allegations, and establishes stringent employment standards and training related to sexual misconduct, among others.

Last legislative session, Kotomi Yokokura bravely testified in support of a previous form of this legislation by sharing her story of inappropriate misconduct by a former teacher while she was in high school – and did so again today in an effort to urge that HB 275 reach final passage this year.

By strengthening schools’ ability to keep kids safe from adults with allegations or substantiations of sexual misconduct, we can prevent child abuse and promote a safe and caring learning environment. Along with the Kosair for Kids Face It Movement, we thank Kotomi for courageously speaking up for the safety of all students as well as Representative Tipton for his diligence on this issue.

Stay up-to-date on Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children priorities and other bills that are good for kids on our Kentucky General Assembly Bill Tracker.

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About Kentucky Youth Advocates
Kentucky Youth Advocates believes all children deserve to be safe, healthy, and secure. As THE independent voice for Kentucky’s children, we work to ensure policymakers create investments and policies that are good for children. Learn more at www.kyyouth.org.