Youth Peace & Justice Foundation Requests State Review and Federal Civil Rights Assessment Following Valley Forge High School Tragedy
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
25 April 2026
Youth Peace & Justice Foundation Requests State Review and Federal Civil Rights Assessment Following Valley Forge High School Tragedy
Ohio - The Youth Peace & Justice Foundation, also known as The Uvalde Foundation for Kids, today announced that it is requesting a review by the Ohio State Board of Education and a federal civil rights assessment by the United States Department of Justice regarding district response protocols and student support systems following the tragic death of a student at Valley Forge High School.
The Foundation extends its continued condolences to the student’s family, classmates, educators, and the broader Parma City School District community. This request is made in the interest of ensuring transparency, consistency, and the continued strengthening of student safety and mental health systems.
STATE REVIEW REQUEST
The Foundation is requesting that the Ohio State Board of Education review district policies and procedures related to crisis response, student mental health supports, and coordination between school leadership and relevant support systems. The purpose of this review is to better understand whether established standards and best practices were fully implemented and whether additional guidance may be warranted to support future student well-being and crisis response efforts.
FEDERAL CIVIL RIGHTS ASSESSMENT REQUEST
The Foundation is also requesting that the United States Department of Justice review whether the circumstances surrounding the student’s experience and the district’s response may implicate federal civil rights considerations, including equal protection principles as they relate to the consistent treatment and support of students in similar circumstances.
This request seeks to ensure that all students are afforded equitable access to appropriate supports and interventions, and that any potential systemic inconsistencies are appropriately reviewed within the framework of applicable federal protections.
STATEMENT FROM THE FOUNDER
“Any request for review being made here is centered on one principle: that every student must be afforded consistent protections, appropriate support, and equal consideration under established school and federal standards. Our intent is not to assign conclusions, but to ensure the facts and systems are appropriately reviewed by the relevant authorities,” said Daniel Chapin, Founder and President of the Youth Peace & Justice Foundation.
EXCERPT FROM SUBMISSION
“The Foundation respectfully requests that the United States Department of Justice review whether the circumstances surrounding the student’s experience and the district’s response may implicate federal civil rights considerations, including equal protection principles as they relate to the consistent treatment and support of students in similar circumstances. This request seeks to ensure that all students are afforded equitable access to appropriate supports and interventions, and that any potential systemic inconsistencies are appropriately reviewed within the framework of applicable federal protections.”
YOUTH-LED FUNDRAISING AND DONATION
The Foundation confirms that a youth-led fundraising effort was conducted to support the Valley Forge High School community following the tragedy. Funds raised were transmitted in good faith to the District to support student and family assistance efforts.
In connection with this contribution, the Foundation also provided an internal memorandum requesting that consideration be given to directing funds toward support for the affected student’s family or an appropriate memorial or student support fund established in response to the incident. As of this statement, the Foundation has not received a formal response regarding the allocation or acknowledgment of this request.
PURPOSE
The Foundation emphasizes that this request is intended to support review and dialogue, not to assign conclusions. The goal is to ensure that state and federal authorities have the opportunity to evaluate whether existing systems and protocols adequately supported the student and the broader school community during a period of crisis.
The Foundation remains committed to constructive engagement with education officials, community stakeholders, and relevant agencies to support student safety, mental health access, and crisis response improvements nationwide.
The Foundation also notes recent public reporting regarding the resignation of a local council or school board member, who cited internal conflict and a challenging governance environment within the district. This development is included as part of the Foundation’s request for review to ensure that institutional conditions during the relevant period are appropriately considered in any state or federal assessment.
ABOUT THE YOUTH PEACE & JUSTICE FOUNDATION
The Youth Peace & Justice Foundation, also known as The Uvalde Foundation for Kids, is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to crisis response, youth advocacy, violence prevention, and expanding support resources for school communities impacted by tragedy.
Youth Peace & Justice Foundation / The Uvalde Foundation for Kids
254-499-8027
Charity ID 88-3268749
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