College of Education online session to offer perspectives on Amendment 2

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 15, 2024) — The University of Kentucky College of Education Department of Educational Policy Studies and Evaluation is sponsoring a free online public session at 4 p.m. Oct. 17 via Zoom. The event will offer different perspectives on Kentucky’s upcoming vote on Kentucky constitutional amendment 2, an issue on the Nov. 5 ballot, which would allow state funding to go to students outside of public schools. 

As we near closer to Election Day, we hope this is a meaningful opportunity for Kentucky residents to hear from experts with varying views and develop a deeper understanding of the issues at hand,” said Zitsi Mirakhur, Ph.D., assistant professor, Department of Educational Policy Studies and Evaluation, who will moderate the discussion. 

The online event will feature experts discussing the latest research and their views on the impact of this constitutional amendment. The conversation aims to cover the amendment’s potential effects on K-12 education across the Commonwealth and its broader implications for Kentucky communities.  

Hosting this discussion underscores our department’s commitment to addressing the complexities of educational policy. We strive for our work to contribute to furthering research and fostering dialogue on pressing educational issues impacting our state and nation,” said Meghan Pifer, Ph.D., professor and chair, Department of Educational Policy Studies and Evaluation.  

The session is open to the public, and attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions during the event.  

Speakers include: 

  • Todd Baldwin, The Prichard Committee 
  • Pam Thomas, Kentucky Center for Economic Policy 
  • Jim Waters, The Bluegrass Institute 

The Department of Educational Policy Studies and Evaluation — the sponsor of the discussion — brings together interdisciplinary perspectives on educational trends and issues, ranging from preschool to adult education. The department brings historical, philosophical, socio-cultural and comparative/international perspectives to the study of educational trends and issues. Through its degree programs, the department supports students in pursuing both academic and applied careers, encouraging students to design a program of study that meets their individual interests.  

Register now to receive a Zoom link.   

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.   

In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.