This petition is born from an intensely personal story; my daughters, Maleaha and Anyssa Peters, faced undeserved harassment within their educational environment at USD 259. Wichita Public school Shockingly, this came from the very people intended to guide their learning and development – school staff and substitutes. Despite dressing appropriately and keeping within the school dress code, my girls were constantly subjected to judgment based on their appearances, and even their family ties. My 13-year-old daughter, Maleaha, was subjected to verbal harassment so severe that a substitute teacher for Language Arts told her that God didn't love her, she needed to be in EIP classes, (Individual Education Program) and humiliated Maleaha I from of the whole language arts class of her mom is raising a 'dumb' child.

These deeply wounding experiences are not isolated. Every child that suffers hunger due to being on Kansas State Government assistance for Children and Families, harassment, verbal abuse, neglect of their learning needs and environment is another child we fail. These toxic patterns manifest severe consequences. Suicides have shockingly been committed in schools by students themselves in USD 259. We can and must put an end to this. 

We are asking for your signatures to establish a nurturing point in space within the USD 259 schools, where they can heal, relax, grow, and realize their fullest potential. This space provides respite, encourages self-love, and fosters healthy and safe place development. Their potential shouldn't be compromised, hindered or altered by an inhibiting society of faculty that don’t spread love and knowledge and teach with inspiration. Instead, our children should be nourished, and filled with the self awareness and self love that everyone needs to reach their highest potential.

Join us in standing against harassment, follies in the learning environment, and inequity in our schools. We urge the USD 259 district to take necessary steps for comprehensive changes that foster healthier spaces for our kids and promote self-love, growth, and a commitment to mental health. Let's ensure every child in the district feels loved, valued, and motivated to succeed. Please sign this petition now.