Georgia Legal Services Program (GLSP) is hosting a free educational session Saturday, December 9 at 11:00 a.m. to help Macon-Bibb County parents and students understand their rights and responsibilities in the school discipline process. The event, made by possible by Macon-Bibb County’s Macon Violence Prevention Program through a grant from the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, will provide practical guidance intended to help keep youth who are subject to school discipline in the classroom whenever appropriate.

WHO: Zoe Siepert, an Equal Justice Works Fellow working with GLSP’s Education Advocacy Project will be speaking at the event, which is part of a project funded by Macon-Bibb County’s Macon Violence Prevention Program through a grant from The Community Foundation of Central Georgia.

WHAT: Community members will learn more about the school discipline process, including tips on how to advocate for students before, during, and after the discipline process. Other topics will include discipline of youth receiving special education, as well as educational rights for youth who have been involved with the juvenile justice system. 

The event is free, and lunch will be provided.

WHEN: Saturday, December 9, at 11:00 a.m.

WHERE: Southwest Magnet High School and Law Academy, Media Center

1775 Williamson Road

Macon, GA 31206 

WHY: Students who are kept out of the classroom due to school discipline issues not only suffer academically, they are also more likely to have future suspensions or expulsions, drop out of school, and engage in behavior – including violent behavior – leading to future arrests or incarceration (either as youth or adults). This is true whether the disciplinary action stems from activities on- or off-campus. 

Keeping students in class whenever it is safe and appropriate to do so can help keep them out of situations that make them more likely to be victims or perpetrators of violence. Making sure parents, students, and other community members understand students’ rights and responsibilities throughout the process is a key step to keeping youth in school.