Eliminate Discriminatory Policies Surrounding Student Memorials in all MO Schools!
Eliminate Discriminatory Policies Surrounding Student Memorials in all MO Schools!
The Issue
Right now, schools in Missouri are able to ban student memorials based on the cause of their death. I am fighting to change that. Together we can urge the Missouri State Board Association to adopt an inclusive policy and honor every student, no matter the cause of death.
My son, Drake "DJ" Holzschuh, tragically passed away by suicide at the age of 15 on April 21, 2021. Drake was a vibrant young man who enjoyed hunting, fishing, gaming, and bringing smiles to those around him. His loss has left an immense void in our lives, and we strive to ensure his memory is honored appropriately.
Drake would have been among the graduating class of 2024 at Owensville High School. As his classmates began discussing how to honor Drake, they were met with the district's discriminatory policy on Memorials for Deceased Students. Shockingly, this policy was going to prevent them from commemorating Drake at the graduation ceremony, solely due to the circumstances of his passing.
I immediately appealed to the School Board, urging them to reconsider this policy. My request was simple and fair: a policy that treats all student deaths equally, without discrimination based on the cause of death. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) supports the implementation of a consistent policy for student deaths, regardless of the cause. It is unjust to distinguish between honoring a student who died in an accident versus a student who died by suicide.
On August 15, 2023, after a unanimous vote of 7-0, the Gasconade County R-2 School Board took a significant step forward. They adopted the Missouri State Board Association (MSBA) policy for Deceased Student Memorials, omitting any reference to "deaths by suicide." This policy amendment ensured that Drake will have a place of remembrance at his graduation, allowing his family and classmates to cherish his memory on this special occasion.
However, the change achieved at Owensville High School is just the beginning. Because the Missouri State Board Association (MSBA) does not currently mandate a specific memorial policy among schools, certain schools are STILL able to discriminate against memorials based on the cause of death. I am here to change that.
I am fighting to extend this equitable Deceased Students Memorials policy to all 577 school districts across Missouri. Let us stand united in advocating for a policy that treats all students' memories with the dignity they deserve. Every life matters, and it is imperative that we celebrate and honor each student's journey, regardless of how it ended.
“You Matter” is a powerful campaign motto used in suicide prevention. This becomes an empty message to students if we say “You matter” unless you die by suicide. Because if you die by suicide, we will pretend you didn’t exist.
Please join me in continuing Drake’s Difference!! Be a part of the change!
Sign the petition & share with others!!
1,923
The Issue
Right now, schools in Missouri are able to ban student memorials based on the cause of their death. I am fighting to change that. Together we can urge the Missouri State Board Association to adopt an inclusive policy and honor every student, no matter the cause of death.
My son, Drake "DJ" Holzschuh, tragically passed away by suicide at the age of 15 on April 21, 2021. Drake was a vibrant young man who enjoyed hunting, fishing, gaming, and bringing smiles to those around him. His loss has left an immense void in our lives, and we strive to ensure his memory is honored appropriately.
Drake would have been among the graduating class of 2024 at Owensville High School. As his classmates began discussing how to honor Drake, they were met with the district's discriminatory policy on Memorials for Deceased Students. Shockingly, this policy was going to prevent them from commemorating Drake at the graduation ceremony, solely due to the circumstances of his passing.
I immediately appealed to the School Board, urging them to reconsider this policy. My request was simple and fair: a policy that treats all student deaths equally, without discrimination based on the cause of death. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) supports the implementation of a consistent policy for student deaths, regardless of the cause. It is unjust to distinguish between honoring a student who died in an accident versus a student who died by suicide.
On August 15, 2023, after a unanimous vote of 7-0, the Gasconade County R-2 School Board took a significant step forward. They adopted the Missouri State Board Association (MSBA) policy for Deceased Student Memorials, omitting any reference to "deaths by suicide." This policy amendment ensured that Drake will have a place of remembrance at his graduation, allowing his family and classmates to cherish his memory on this special occasion.
However, the change achieved at Owensville High School is just the beginning. Because the Missouri State Board Association (MSBA) does not currently mandate a specific memorial policy among schools, certain schools are STILL able to discriminate against memorials based on the cause of death. I am here to change that.
I am fighting to extend this equitable Deceased Students Memorials policy to all 577 school districts across Missouri. Let us stand united in advocating for a policy that treats all students' memories with the dignity they deserve. Every life matters, and it is imperative that we celebrate and honor each student's journey, regardless of how it ended.
“You Matter” is a powerful campaign motto used in suicide prevention. This becomes an empty message to students if we say “You matter” unless you die by suicide. Because if you die by suicide, we will pretend you didn’t exist.
Please join me in continuing Drake’s Difference!! Be a part of the change!
Sign the petition & share with others!!
1,923
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Petition created on August 20, 2023