Some Kentucky students are taking their grievances with public education to court, claiming the state has failed to uphold its constitutional duty to provide and adequate and equitable education.

The lawsuit highlights what the group says is the erosion of Kentucky's public education system since the 1990s, citing a 25% decline in adjusted funding and poor academic performance.

The group called the Kentucky Student Voice Team reference the 1989 Rose versus Council for Better Education ruling, which led to the Kentucky Education Reform Act a year later.

That legislation dramatic changed how the state's public schools are funded, reformed and standardized curriculum and increased accountability at the school and district level.

Speaking during a news conference yesterday outside the Franklin County Courthouse where the lawsuit was filed, these students claim the state has not fulfilled its commitment to ensuring a quality education for all students.

We are here today because we refuse to accept the status quo when it comes to our education.

We are here because we believe the promise of education in Kentucky is far too important to be sidelined by inefficiency, inequity or inaction.

We have filed this lawsuit because we believe that the Commonwealth of Kentucky has failed to provide us with a public education system that meets the promises and the demands of our Constitution.

It is a fact that most students are unprepared to participate in our communities and in our government.

Kentucky is one of just 11 states with no civics requirement, and it shows right now half of Kentuckians can't even name a local elected official or are three branches of government.

We want a school system where one teachers are paid what they deserve.

Class sizes allow for real learning, and transportation is reliable and fully funded.

All are students and staff feel valued, safe and supported to teach and learn.

Three controversial topics are explored thoughtfully and not censored for all students.

Families and educators have a genuine say in school decision making.

Five Funding is fair, transparent and accountable.

Six And we're all students of all backgrounds are prepared to thrive and give back to our communities.

And the students of Kentucky deserve more.

We know that the system is not doing what it must, and we have educators and staff who are working so hard in our schools heroic efforts to improve the education that they give us.

But the system that supports them is failing.

Democrats, Republicans, the government in general has been unable to provide the support, the resources and the funding required to meet the capacity to support our students.

We are here to demand a better future.

The lawsuit names Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers, House Speaker David Osborne and Education Commissioner Robbie Fletcher as defendants, despite claims of record funding by state officials.

The students argue the legislature's policies have failed to address the root causes of these challenges.

The lawsuit calls for the courts to reaffirm the promises made by the rose decision, urging state lawmakers to take corrective action to restore the state's education system to constitutional standards.