People may recall the trial and sensationalism that emerged from the 2014-2015 Atlanta Public School (APS) "Cheating" Scandal. Those who remember may think of this terrifying chapter of persecuting mostly Black, Atlanta educators with racketeering charges used for the mafia as an unfortunate chapter of history that is now behind us. It isn't. As of 2022, charges are still being levied against 7 educators who are all facing prison time, probation, and exorbitant fines. 4 educators have already gone to prison or been on house arrest and paid large fines, while completing hundreds of hours of community service. Each and every one of these people has faced extreme financial hardship, some have been diagnosed with PTSD, and others have seen their closest relationships fall apart under this insurmountable pressure. One of the educators, Dana Evans, may be sent to prison this February 14th, 2022. 6 others await their fate.

The passage of No Child Left Behind in 2001 spurred a multi tentacled standardized testing industry that left thousands of students and educators reeling in its wake. Accusations of cheating by teachers in public schools has occurred over the years, but teachers have never faced criminal charges or prison time. Atlanta, GA has set this unique historical precedent. Now, the so called "APS Cheating Scandal" has become the longest and most expensive case in the state's history. 

Sending teachers to prison for cheating is immoral. Doing so during a pandemic is absolutely inexcusable. Join us in asking that Judge Jerry Baxter modify the sentences of #TheAPS7. We are asking that District Attorney Fani Willis, Senators Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff, Stacey Abrams, APS Superintendent Dr. Lisa Herring, and the Atlanta City Council make a public stance and join our call as people with the power and influence to affect the outcome of this verdict. We demand that:

1. No more educators go to prison

2. No more educators face probation

3. No more educators pay fines

Stop the #TeachertoPrisonPipeline. #StandWithBlackEducators and end this shameful, long chapter of Georgia history.