Behind the Bill: How We Helped Reshape Georgia’s School Safety Law | | Above: Legal & Policy Director Darlene Lynch and other team members testified regularly at the Capitol this session | | |
Following the tragic school shooting in Winder, lawmakers from across the state turned to Georgia Appleseed for research and guidance about how to make sure Georgia students were safe and supported in our schools. Our policy recommendations and real-time data from our FAIR Project helped shape HB 268, Georgia’s landmark new law to improve school safety, school climate, and student wellbeing.
In the months after the shooting, our legal team received 58 referrals involving school-based “threats.” Nearly half involved children aged 13 or younger, and one-third involved children with autism or other disabilities. All faced proposed suspensions from school of a year or more for minor infractions, misunderstandings, or behavior directly related to their young age or disability.
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In response, we trained parents how to advocate for their child in school tribunals across the state, tracked legal outcomes in real time, and began working with legislators to prevent overbroad, punitive policies. Over nine months, we provided analysis and recommendations that helped lay the foundation of HB 268. The final bill—which could have taken a much harsher, less effective path—instead embraced three core evidence-based reforms we championed:
- Expanded school-based mental health services
- Positive school climate interventions
- Multidisciplinary threat assessment teams.
To bolster the law's impact, we are now developing guidelines to help various stakeholders—judicial and government agencies, school staff and administration, parents, and students—understand and implement its various provisions.
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Georgia Appleseed in Macon!
Education, Housing, and Art
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Join us in Macon, July 30–31, for two days of community-building and fascinating policy conversations on school safety and climate (day one,) and healthy housing (day two.) Before each meeting, enjoy refreshments, networking, and our See Me: Pieces of Life from Youth In Care exhibit—a curated collection of artwork created by Georgia youth in foster care.
Mill Hill Community Arts Center, 213 Clinton St., Macon, GA
Come for one or both days! Or join virtually! Events are free, but registration is required.
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July 30:
Supporting School Climate & Child Well-Being in Middle Georgia
12:30–2:00 PM (reception at noon)
Register for GECC
Educators, behavioral health professionals, and community leaders will gather to share solutions for expanding access to student mental health services and building positive school climates. Our panelists include:
- Morgan Stinson, Community Health Care Systems
- Juli Alligood, Middle Georgia RESA
- Eve Byrd, The Carter Center
- Layla Fitzgerald, Georgia DBHDD
Plus: Updates on behavioral interventions in schools and time to connect with peers.
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July 31:
Housing Solutions for Middle Georgia
2:00–3:30 PM (reception at 1:00PM)
Register for GHHC
Housing leaders and statewide policy experts will explore ways to improve safety, stability, and affordability with a focus on housing trust funds. Our panelists include:
- Mike Austin, Macon Housing Authority
- Ivy Hall, Macon Area Habitat for Humanity
- Shawn Stafford, Stafford Builders & Consultants
- Natalie Bouyett, Macon-Bibb Affordable Housing Fund
Plus: Special presentation by Beth Stephens on Enterprise Community Partners' latest report exploring housing trust funds in Georgia.
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Georgia Appleseed’s FAIR Project now offers free legal consultations to help families exercise their child’s right to special education services, including Individualized Education Program (IEP) and Section 504 plans. We began offering this new service in June. For many caregivers, talking with our legal team was the first time they felt truly heard in the often overwhelming special education process.
As Georgia Appleseed attorney Jack Grote puts it, “Parents can be the best advocates for their children. Sometimes they just need to know that they’re on the right path, and have the right tools to keep pushing forward. We offer them both.”
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Do you know a school child or caregiver who needs our help?
Refer them here.
| FAIR team leaders Tanesse Brown and Jack Grote have been traveling the state to inform parents, caregivers, and other stakeholders about FAIR's expanded services. | | |
Back on the Board:
Spellbound Returns with Purpose
| | 20 Years of Powerful Pro Bono | | |
Have you participated in a Georgia Appleseed pro bono project?
Share your stories and photos with us at 20years@gaappleseed.org.
| 2008 Hunton & Williams pro bono reception | | |
From the very beginning, the power of pro bono has been a cornerstone of our mission. Over the past two decades, we’ve proudly partnered with dozens of law firms in Atlanta, across Georgia, and nationwide. Together, we’ve conducted vital research, led interviews, drafted key documents, and so much more.
Our pro bono partners help us dig deeper into complex challenges—like school discipline, housing instability, and access to justice—and develop the insights we gained from communities into successful policy reforms.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Here's to the next 20 years of justice, together.
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Your donation grows our impact and supports children across Georgia. Connecting with you helps us build our community of advocates and amplify our mission to advance justice statewide. View our video library on YouTube, and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and FaceBook.
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