November 2023

School suspensions and expulsions increased the risk of school drop out and juvenile justice system involvement for 118,000+ Georgia kids last year. In Georgia, an 11-day suspension reduces by 26% a Georgia middle schooler's chance of graduating from high school. Suspensions' impact is so profound (especially for low-income and Black children) that Georgia law requires a school hearing prior to suspensions longer than 10 days.

Unlike criminal court hearings, students usually face school discipline hearings without a lawyer or advocate--even if the child is innocent or has a defense (like self-defense in a fight).

Learn more at our 5th Annual Justice Conversations on December 7, as we explore the question--Is School Discipline Georgia’s Third Criminal Justice System? (And learn how Georgia Appleseed is making our discipline system more fair for marginalized kids.)

Dr. Amy Steigerwalt, Professor and Chair of Georgia State University’s Department of Political Science, will moderate the panel. Senator Chuck Payne will deliver welcome remarks.

Panel from L-R: Judge J.P. Boulee, United States District Court, Northern District of Georgia, Judge Amanda Heath, Superior Court, Augusta Judicial Circuit, and Dr. Garry McGiboney, Executive Director of Government and Education Programs at Sharecare, former Department of Education Deputy Superintendent of School Safety and Climate

This event is free, but space is limited. Register by December 1.

Georgia Appleseed: the Basics

Are you interested in learning more about Georgia Appleseed? Or want to tell others about us?

Our new School Justice, Housing Justice, and organization brochures make it easy. Click on the images to download our new materials and share with others.

Contact us if you would like us to mail you copies of these brochures to peruse and share.

Seeking a Staff Attorney

Georgia Appleseed is continuing to grow! We have just posted a Staff Attorney position for our programs team. Please view and share our Job Description with your contacts and help us build our great team.

A Cidery Success

Thank you to all who attended our Cidery Event last month. Board Members Marc Taylor and Alison Ballard of Taylor English gave an inspiring welcome. Georgia Appleseed staff Michael Waller and Caren Cloud gave updates on our School Justice and Housing Justice initiatives. We enjoyed cider, tasty treats, and the festive Halloween decorations at Urban Cidery. Hope to see you next year!

Roaring for Justice 2024 - April 18, 2024

Planning is already underway for our signature event next April at the Zoo. Have you received your Save the Date magnet? If you are ready to Roar in ’24 and need a magnet, let us know!

Event sponsorships help us raise critical funds that support the impactful work we do. Check out our RoaringForJustice.org website for updates, click here to sponsor or contact Liz to learn about sponsorship options and benefits.

Join us by making a donation and/or becoming a pro bono partner.

Connecting with you helps us build our community of advocates and amplify our mission to advance justice for children across Georgia. Follow our social media on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook, and view our video library on YouTube to stay up to date with resources, news, and updates.