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Youth

Kentucky Schools Launch Youth Councils on Human Rights

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Students at Central High School in Louisville, Kentucky, had expressed concerns about bullying, racial separation, and perceived favoritism towards advanced placement students. To address these issues and promote equality and unity, the school, along with Seneca High School and Bardstown High School, is forming a Youth Council on Human Rights. The councils are designed to help students address and seek solutions to civil and human rights concerns. The Kentucky Human Rights Commission, led by Executive Director John J. Johnson, created the Youth Councils on Human Rights program to promote mutual understanding and harmony among students, faculty, and staff.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Kentucky Human Rights Commission has launched a Youth Councils on Human Rights program to help students promote equality and unity in Kentucky schools.
  • The program aims to inspire students and school administrators to lead in the mission to safeguard equal opportunity and treatment.
  • The youth councils provide a context for students to address and seek solutions to civil and human rights concerns, using tools such as advocacy, awareness, empowerment, and education.
  • Central High School was the first to join the initiative, with a Law and Government class meeting with commission officials to begin the project.
  • Joe Gutmann, Central High School Law and Government teacher, spearheaded the initiative for Central at the direction of Principal Dr. Daniel Withers.
  • Bardstown High School will host a presentation by the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights on October 26, providing students with a chance to learn about serving on their council and addressing civil or human rights issues.
  • Seneca High School will also host a question and answer session about the council program on October 26.
  • The program has been well-received by school officials, with Seneca High School Principal Michelle Dillard stating that the council is a "logical next step" for their mission.

Statistics:

  • The Kentucky Commission on Human Rights has launched a program involving three high schools (Central, Seneca, and Bardstown) as the first phase.
  • The program aims to help students promote equality and unity in Kentucky schools.
  • The youth councils will provide a context for students to address and seek solutions to civil and human rights concerns.

Sources:

  • Frankfort: Commission on Human Rights, State of Kentucky.
  • Kentucky Human Rights Commission.
  • Central High School Law and Government teacher Joe Gutmann.
  • Bardstown High School Principal Chris Pickett.
  • Rose Dodson, Bardstown Independent Schools Support Services.
  • Seneca High School Principal Michelle Dillard and Seneca English and Sociology teacher Jill Bickel.
  • http://migration.kentucky.gov/ (Kentucky Commission on Human Rights website)

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