As a concerned parent and member of the Ashland community, I can no longer stand by while students continue to be bullied, harassed, and threatened by their peers with little to no meaningful action from the school system.

Every child deserves to walk into their school feeling safe, valued, and protected. Yet too many students are living in fear—bullied in hallways, classrooms, locker rooms, and online—while their voices are minimized or ignored. These are not isolated incidents; they are part of a growing pattern that is harming the emotional well-being, academic performance, and sense of security of our children.

Kentucky law (KRS 158.148) requires schools to have and enforce clear anti-bullying policies. Schools are legally obligated to investigate reports, protect victims from retaliation, and ensure that every student learns in a safe environment. When bullying is dismissed or overlooked, the school fails its legal duty—and more importantly, its moral one.

We, the undersigned parents, students, and community members, demand that Ashland Independent School District:

• Fully enforce Kentucky’s anti-bullying laws and school policies for all reported incidents, without exception.
• Implement transparent reporting and follow-up procedures so that families are kept informed every step of the way.
• Provide clear, accessible avenues for students to report bullying safely and without fear of retaliation.
• Ensure fair and consistent disciplinary action for all parties involved in bullying incidents. Too often, the student who defends themselves receives harsher punishment than the aggressor, who faces minimal or no consequences. This imbalance sends the wrong message and discourages victims from speaking up.
• Hold regular public forums or board meetings to hear directly from students and parents about bullying concerns and solutions.
• Commit to real, measurable change to create a school culture where students protect one another—not tear each other down.

Our children are not statistics, and their pain will no longer be brushed aside. This is a call for accountability, compassion, and courage. Together, as parents, students, and allies, we are demanding safer schools for every child in Ashland.