Raquel Riley Thomas, a decorated U.S. Army Captain and dedicated Taekwondo martial artist, has turned personal tragedy into a powerful mission to empower others. In March 2013, Raquel faced the devastating loss of her mother, M. Riley, to suicide. Through this heartbreaking experience, Raquel uncovered a painful truth: her mother had been a survivor of assault. Having faced similar trauma herself, Raquel refused to remain silent or passive. Instead, she launched DefendRILEY, a powerful initiative committed to providing hands-on self-defense training.

In honor of her mother and her own experiences, Raquel is now advocating for the inclusion of self-defense as an elective in high schools across Georgia. This petition seeks to empower students with the skills and confidence they need to protect themselves. Self-defense training is not merely physical instruction; it is a crucial life skill that helps build self-esteem, awareness, and the ability to react in threatening situations.

In Georgia, statistics reveal that a significant percentage of young individuals are vulnerable to various forms of assault. According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, there were over 3,361 reported cases of sexual assault in 2023 alone, with a notable number involving teenagers. Providing self-defense instruction in schools could not only reduce these numbers but also instill a sense of empowerment and accountability among young individuals.

The proposed self-defense elective would include lessons on situational awareness, de-escalation techniques, and physical defense strategies, tailored to meet the developmental needs of high school students. By integrating this course, Georgia schools can offer students a proactive approach to personal safety, potentially saving lives and reducing incidents of violence.

Raquel Riley Thomas believes in a future where every student feels safe and confident, a future where they can focus on their education without fear. By supporting this initiative, you are helping to create safer communities and empowering the next generation with invaluable skills.

Sign this petition today to support the addition of self-defense courses as an elective option in Georgia high schools. Your signature can ensure a safer, more secure environment for students across the state.