We, the concerned parents and community of the Junior Pioneer Athletics under the Watauga Junior Athletic League in East Tennessee, are seeking urgent rectification regarding the organization's leadership. The current President, Justin Simpson, has continued to be part of this esteemed organization even though he hides a violent criminal history that should disqualify him. As parents, we want nothing but the best environment for our children, which includes ensuring a safe, respectful, and nurturing space for them to grow and thrive in. This man has been verbally threatening parents and coaches, subsequently manipulating the situation through unfounded accusations and voting them out if anyone resists or opposes his actions.

It is not just for ourselves we raise these concerns but, more importantly, for the well-being of our children who hold the right to a secure, constructive learning environment. We believe that the individual in question, who consistently fails to embody and uphold the values of honesty, respect, and integrity - crucial cornerstones for any role model our children should have - is ill-suited to lead an organization centered around nurturing the young. Knowing his past, his position of leadership is not only inappropriate but threatens the safe space our children have in this organization.

We are not alone in our fear and discontent. As per recent examples, numerous organizations, including school institutions and youth sports leagues, have introduced policies mandating safety checks that include criminal record disclosure for individuals seeking leadership roles. Our request aligns with these widely accepted practices aimed at child protection.

This issue goes beyond the individual - our ultimate aim is to reshape the standards, policies, and practices upheld by the Junior Pioneer Athletics of the Watauga Junior Athletic League in East Tennessee. There is an urgent need for transparency, accountability, and suitability in the key leadership roles, ensuring that whoever leads does so with our children's safety and best interests at heart. We urge immediate action to remove Justin Simpson from his role as president and initiate a thorough and transparent selection process for future appointments. Sign the petition to protect our children and uphold the rightful standards of leadership in our community.