This petition calls for the immediate removal of Principal Kym Sturdivant from Bard High School Early College DC due to his failure to protect students and staff.

We, the undersigned, are deeply concerned about the dangerous and deteriorating environment at Bard High School Early College DC under the leadership of Principal Kym Sturdivant.

The recent violent outbreak on campus was entirely predictable and preventable. Since 2023, Bard DC has seen a rise in the frequency and severity of fights, with many large-scale altercations requiring significant police presence, many of which were unrecorded and barely acknowledged by the administration.

Instead of taking proactive steps to ensure safety, Principal Sturdivant has engaged in a pattern of concealing dangerous fights and discouraging transparency. He has often refused to acknowledge or publicly address violence on campus, effectively undermining efforts to improve school climate.

Bard DC students and teachers deserve better. We call on DCPS and school leadership to immediately investigate Principal Sturdivant’s handling of safety issues and to remove him from his position for the well-being of the entire school community.