The following is a statement from Rashad Robinson, executive director of ColorOfChange.org, regarding Gov. John Kasich’s decision to reduce Kelley Williams-Bolar’s felony charges to misdemeanors:

“Gov. Kasich’s decision today to reduce Ms. Williams-Bolar’s offenses from felonies to misdemeanors is proof that he heard the ColorOfChange.org community loud and clear. It has long been obvious that the punishment this single mother faced far outweighed whatever missteps she made in the quest to keep her children safe. That’s why nearly 70,000 of our members signed a petition earlier this year calling on the governor to show compassion. In the past 24 hours, hundreds of people have flooded his office with calls. The energy in support of Ms. Williams-Bolar and her family has been tremendous, and today we are pleased that she will be able to move on in her life without the burden of felony convictions haunting her every step of the way. This case has drawn attention to the struggles families across this nation face in keeping their children safe and identifying educational options that allow them to do just that.”

Here is a statement from our partner on this campaign, Change.org:

“Kelley Williams-Bolar’s story resonated with parents and teachers throughout the country,” said Carol Scott, Senior Organizer for Education at Change.org. “More than 180,000 people across the country joined the online campaign on Change.org calling on Gov. John Kasich to pardon her, making it the third most popular petition in the site’s history. Clearly the governor heard their concerns.”