In Kentucky, loopholes in the law are allowing predators to operate unchecked in our schools—and children are suffering.

The Courier Journal’s groundbreaking “Silence & Secrets” investigation uncovered over 80 cases of alleged sexual misconduct by Kentucky middle and high school coaches in just the last 15 years. These weren’t isolated incidents. They followed patterns—patterns that began with inappropriate messages, boundary violations, and the classic hallmarks of grooming. Yet Kentucky law still does not define or criminalize grooming.

That means when abusers begin testing limits—texting students late at night, offering special privileges, isolating them—law enforcement’s hands are tied until it’s too late.

Survivors like Ashley Nation are standing up to change that. Their message is clear: Kentucky must stop enabling abuse through silence and delay. Experts across the country agree—and 11 other states, including Ohio and Indiana, have already criminalized grooming. 

We are calling on the Kentucky General Assembly to:

• Criminalize sexual grooming, particularly when committed by adults in positions of authority such as coaches or teachers.
• Extend the statute of limitations for child sex abuse and sexual assault so survivors have a fair chance at justice, even decades later.
• Ban the practice of “passing the trash”—when abusive educators quietly resign and are rehired elsewhere without proper disclosure—by prohibiting non-disclosure agreements that hide misconduct.
• Strengthen enforcement of mandatory reporting laws and require public schools to clearly display Title IX coordinators as federal law demands.

This isn’t a partisan issue. It’s about protecting every child, in every classroom, from harm. 

Kentucky lawmakers: your inaction has consequences. We need bold legislation now to stop abuse before it starts and hold predators accountable. Our kids deserve nothing less.

Sign this petition to demand immediate action from Kentucky’s elected officials before another child is harmed.