Kentucky schooling group suspends Lifetouch amid hypothesis over Epstein hyperlink

(LEX 18) — The Kentucky Educational Development Corporation has suspended all present and future use of Lifetouch pictures companies pending an intensive investigation into security issues.

According to reporting by The Associated Press, some faculty districts have dropped plans to make use of Lifetouch after social media posts linked the corporate to Apollo Global Management. Apollo’s former CEO, billionaire investor Leon Black, reportedly had monetary ties to Epstein.

KEDC introduced the suspension in a information launch, citing “recent concerns surrounding Lifetouch, a national school photography vendor that has provided services within educational settings.”

The group mentioned it made the choice “out of an abundance of caution and in alignment with our commitment to student well being.”

“Our children are the heart of everything we do,” mentioned Nancy Hutchinson, Chief Executive Officer of KEDC. “Their safety and well being rise above every partnership, every contract, and every operational decision. We will always act with care, transparency, and urgency when it comes to protecting the students entrusted to our schools.”

KEDC serves a number of faculty districts throughout Kentucky and mentioned it’s actively monitoring developments whereas speaking with member districts as extra data turns into obtainable.

The group emphasised that pupil security and safety stay its highest precedence and that it stays dedicated to sustaining partnerships that mirror the values and expectations of educators, households and communities.