We, the undersigned, are calling on the Tennessee Department of Education, the Blount County District Attorney’s Office, and local lawmakers to take immediate and decisive action to protect our children and ensure justice is properly served.   
Joseph Dalton, a former teacher in the Blount County School system, has pleaded guilty to five charges of inappropriately touching children. Despite the gravity of these offenses, he was granted judicial diversion—receiving only six months of probation, with the opportunity to have his record expunged if he complies. This sentence is a disturbing failure of our justice system and sends a devastating message to victims and their families: that the protection of predators is prioritized over the safety and dignity of children.   
We demand the following actions be considered immediately:   
Revocation of Joseph Dalton’s teaching license — permanently, with no option for reinstatement.
Prohibition of any future employment or volunteer opportunities involving minors.
Mandatory registration on the sex offender registry, reflecting the nature of his offenses and ensuring public awareness.
An extension of his probation period to reflect the seriousness of the harm caused and provide oversight that matches the offense.     
THE ABSOLUTE MOST VULNERABLE, OUR CHILDREN, deserve to be safe in their schools, and predators should not be granted leniency at the expense of their young victims’ lifelong trauma. If our legal system won’t hold him accountable, we must use our voices to demand justice and reform.    
We stand united to protect our children—because they deserve better.   
Sign below to stand with me and demand real consequences, real change, real justice.