JEFCOED to develop a Student Self-Defense Policy in place of their Current Zero Tolerance
JEFCOED to develop a Student Self-Defense Policy in place of their Current Zero Tolerance
The Issue
Currently, Jefferson County Schools has an antiquated and inequitable Zero Tolerance Policy that provides no protections or necessaryprovisions for students who are attacked by another student and are forced to use self-defense to keep themselves safe. The current policy creates severe inequities in the disciplinary system because it sends the message to students that they cannot and should not protect themselves when another student(s) or adult physically attacks them and negatively impacts innocent students’ cumulative school record, which could create even more barriers in the future with scholarship and various other opportunities.
JEFCOED must rid themselves of antiquated disciplinary practices and develop a disciplinary policy that is fair and recognizes/practices current and research-based school disciplinary procedures that reflect a true “due process” hearing that considers all relevant facts and information rather than imposing unfair and drastic punishments to students who are forced to physically defend themselves if attacked by another student or group of students.
The board must form an advisory committee that involves at least 10 JEFCOED parents, 2 professors of education from any AL University, 10 teachers, and 10 students from within the JEFCOED system to ensure a fair and just policy is put in place and executed.
Revising the current policy will destroy current barriers to success and allow for the school system to build more meaningful relationships with students, teachers, and families alike. We trust JEFCOED to lead the state in best practices, not just instructionally, but best practices in all areas. Sign this petition to show your support for an immediate policy change that can be proposed to the community and included in the 2022-2023 Student Code of Conduct.
See the following link that highlights the Georgia Supreme Court Decision regarding Zero Tolerance Policies and students’ rights to avoid harm: https://www.ajc.com/blog/get-schooled/state-supreme-court-georgia-students-can-argue-self-defense-justify-school-fights/yB8975bsy7a4H6kfCOadUO/?outputType=amp
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The Issue
Currently, Jefferson County Schools has an antiquated and inequitable Zero Tolerance Policy that provides no protections or necessaryprovisions for students who are attacked by another student and are forced to use self-defense to keep themselves safe. The current policy creates severe inequities in the disciplinary system because it sends the message to students that they cannot and should not protect themselves when another student(s) or adult physically attacks them and negatively impacts innocent students’ cumulative school record, which could create even more barriers in the future with scholarship and various other opportunities.
JEFCOED must rid themselves of antiquated disciplinary practices and develop a disciplinary policy that is fair and recognizes/practices current and research-based school disciplinary procedures that reflect a true “due process” hearing that considers all relevant facts and information rather than imposing unfair and drastic punishments to students who are forced to physically defend themselves if attacked by another student or group of students.
The board must form an advisory committee that involves at least 10 JEFCOED parents, 2 professors of education from any AL University, 10 teachers, and 10 students from within the JEFCOED system to ensure a fair and just policy is put in place and executed.
Revising the current policy will destroy current barriers to success and allow for the school system to build more meaningful relationships with students, teachers, and families alike. We trust JEFCOED to lead the state in best practices, not just instructionally, but best practices in all areas. Sign this petition to show your support for an immediate policy change that can be proposed to the community and included in the 2022-2023 Student Code of Conduct.
See the following link that highlights the Georgia Supreme Court Decision regarding Zero Tolerance Policies and students’ rights to avoid harm: https://www.ajc.com/blog/get-schooled/state-supreme-court-georgia-students-can-argue-self-defense-justify-school-fights/yB8975bsy7a4H6kfCOadUO/?outputType=amp
229
The Decision Makers
Petition created on February 9, 2022