AFP Transforms Worried Parents into Education Freedom Fighters
In 2022, Utah resident Kim Byram was facing a parent’s worst nightmare — her son was being mercilessly bullied at school. When she sought help from administrators, she was told their hands were tied, prompting Kim to look for a new school where her son would be safe.
Kim’s options were limited since private school wasn’t viable for her family, they were locked into schools within their designated district. She was prepared to move her family across the state if that’s what it took to protect her child.
Americans for Prosperity, having championed education freedom initiatives across the country, was prepared to fight for parents like Kim and spearhead the state’s first successful education savings account bill, forever changing education in Utah.
The Byrams’ Fight Against School Bullying
Callan Byram, a middle schooler at the time, had been the target of bullying since first grade, with no protection or support from school administrators. The problem spiraled in January 2022 when another student physically ambushed Callan after he got off the bus at school. The incident was captured by a security camera and reviewed by Kim and administrators. Yet nothing was done. Kim had reached her breaking point.
Desperate for a solution, Kim held an event to gather signatures calling for changes to Utah’s school policies on bullying and discipline. She shared Callan’s story with anyone who’d listen, including the mayor, lawmakers, and other parents whose children also suffered at the hands of their peers. Despite the outpouring of support, Kim’s efforts fell short.
She put her faith in the only option left: sell the family home and switch school districts to protect Callan. Not long after the move, Callan faced a similar fate at his new school and fell victim to bullying. Administrators remained unhelpful and pointed to policies that kept them from stepping in. Kim was forced to spend her days accompanying Callan to class to protect him and put a stop to the abuse.
AFP Drives Education Freedom
AFP-Utah was already working on a solution to make sure no student would suffer like Callan. They launched the ‘Utah Fits All’ campaign, advocating for universal education savings accounts for K-12 families to make private schools and alternative education pathways accessible. Kim’s efforts to share her story reached AFP staff and a partnership was formed. Kim would finally have the resources and firepower needed to win.
“If it will help even one child to get out of that situation that my son has been in for most of his life, I will do what I need to do,” says Kim.
AFP’s grassroots strategies and tactics were instrumental in forming a diverse network of stakeholders to mobilize around education freedom. They activated parents, educators, and other concerned citizens to canvas neighborhoods and encouraged voters to contact their legislators. AFP leveraged their connections and afforded Kim the opportunity to testify in front of decision makers. This time, they listened.
In 2023, the state legislature passed the “Utah Fits All” Scholarship program, which makes all K-12 students eligible for $8,000 in scholarship funds and provides a $6,000 raise for qualifying teachers. The bill put the power back in the hands of parents and students to ensure that all children have access to a high-quality education, while also offering support to educators.
Thanks to “Utah Fits All” Kim and her husband were able to enroll Callan in a private military school where his academic performance and quality of life has improved significantly, because he can pursue his education without fear of bullying.
Despite fierce opposition, AFP’s resolve only continues to strengthen. They rally support for student-centered policies and amplify the voices of families nationwide.
Expand education freedom in your community, get in contact with AFP today!
