As a former participant of the Upward Bound/Trio program in Ohio, I experienced firsthand the dangerous flaws within its system. I was nearly attacked by another student in the program, and when I reported this incident to an advisor, I was not only unaided, but also assaulted. This shocking experience was followed by my removal from a group trip, seemingly as a punishment for speaking out against maltreatment.

Unfortunately, my harrowing experience is not an isolated event within this program. It has been noted that the process and regulations regarding student safety and conduct lack adequate standards. In order to ensure that young Ohioans have access to safe, supportive, and effective programs, significant change is needed.

Regardless of the undeniable merits of educational programs, when a system exists that allows potential harm to its users, it must be critically evaluated. I am thus issuing this petition to ask our local government and educational authorities to discontinue the Upward Bound/Trio Program in Ohio until a thorough and unbiased investigation into its practices is initiated and completed.

In doing so, we send a powerful message that the safety and well-being of students are paramount and non-negotiable. Your voice could make the difference. Please, endorse this petition.