LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — On Tuesday, Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin rejected For AR Kids' education ballot initiative.
The group introduced the Educational Rights Amendment of 2024 in late December, hoping to add an amendment to Article 14 of the Arkansas Constitution.
"This is exactly how we expected the process to work," Arkansas Public Policy Panel Executive Director Bill Kopsky said. "It doesn't diminish our commitment to enhancing education for all Arkansans. We are not giving up on truly transforming educational opportunities for all Arkansas students."
Currently, the proposal includes requiring any school receiving public funds to follow the same standards as traditional public schools, establishing minimum quality standards, guaranteeing universal access to pre-k for three and four-year-olds and addressing special education.
According to the Attorney General's Office, the proposal submitted had an unconstitutional provision, lacked clarity on key terms and had typographical issues, including missing words and misnumbered sections.
"Although we face a temporary setback, our belief in the potential of this initiative remains steadfast," Arkansas NAACP President Barry Jefferson said. "We will explore alternative avenues to ensure equal opportunities for every Arkansan."
For AR Kids said they will resubmit a revised proposal in the coming days.
To read more about For AR Kids, click here.