Kenosha school board will allow a memorial for a teenager who was killed, reversing its previous decision

During Friday's varsity football game, cheerleaders at Bradford High School in Kenosha will honor a teammate who was fatally shot last spring.

Kaylie Juga, who died in May, was a cheerleader at Bradford. Her team wanted to memorialize her with a routine, posters and a moment of silence during their halftime performance. 

The honor almost didn't happen: The tribute will take place a few days after massive public outcry prompted the Kenosha Unified School District board to reverse a decision to not allow the memorial. At that time, the school board would not allow them to do so, saying the school district's attorney advised against it.

"The District will not sanction any memorials or acknowledgements because it would be legally required to do so for all students involved in order to protect the District against possible legal claims," a statement from the school board states. 

Juga was shot and killed in her home in May. Martice Fuller, who also attended Bradford and played football at the school, has been charged with first-degree intentional homicide in her death, and attempted first-degree intentional homicide for allegedly shooting Juga's mother. 

The school board said that if the cheerleaders were allowed to memorialize Juga, a school-sponsored entity would also have to allow a tribute for Fuller if requested, though a school district representative said they were not aware of any tributes for Fuller. 

"Many in the Kenosha community may not agree with this difficult decision, but the District asks that the public honor its decision as it works to take into consideration the well-being of all of its students — past, present and future," the board's statement said. 

The decision stirred an outcry on social media. An online petition supporting a memorial for Juga received nearly 7,000 signatures.

Many people in the Kenosha community changed their Facebook picture to a plain blue image that says #4Kaylie. 

Hundreds of people have said they would wear blue in honor of Juga at Bradford's football game Friday. Students from opposing Oak Creek High School also are expected to wear blue.

Juga's father, Nick Juga, on Tuesday encouraged people to reach out to the Kenosha Unified School District and the high school. The Facebook post was shared nearly 3,000 times. 

"I have been silent for way too long," Nick's post said. "My daughter was the one murdered! And KUSD will not allow her friends and community a moment of silence, or a 5 minute cheer!" 

Wednesday afternoon, the school board reversed its decision and allowed the cheerleaders to do a memorial.

"Upon further consideration, Superintendent Dr. Sue Savaglio-Jarvis and Board President Dan Wade have decided to reverse the decision regarding memorials for Kaylie Juga," a statement from the board said. "Upcoming events will be allowed to occur as planned."

Kaylie's family thanked the community for their support. 

"Your voices were heard!! Thank you all we love you all!" Kaylie's mother, Stephanie Juga, posted.