DOJ Meetings on GA GNETS
From Leslie Lipson, GAO – Please forward to others!!
Hey Advocates,
I want to thank SO MANY of you for contacting us concerning your ability to assist with the advocacy surrounding the Department of Justice Letter of Finding that our state is violating the Americans with Disabilities Act. There are multiple ways to be involved, and I am writing to invite you into the process. The Letter of Finding can be accessed here: http://www.ada.gov/olmstead/olmstead_cases_list2.htm. This is an incredible first step, and there is still much to be done during the negotiation and hopeful settlement regarding children returning to our neighborhood schools with smart, individualize supports.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) will visit Georgia during the week of July 26 and meet with families and students who have been in the GNETS or avoided the GNETS. They want to hear from stakeholders. I know that we have a community of advocates ready and willing to tell the government what we need in our state to have students supported in their neighborhood schools. If you cannot attend any of the meetings arranged in Georgia (see below for times and locations), the DOJ may be able to accommodate your schedule by meeting you at a different venue or speaking with you on the phone. Please contact Torey Cummings at the DOJ at (202) 305-4204 or Torey.Cummings@usdoj.gov with questions or requests regarding how your voice can be heard.
Locations and times:
Sun., July 26 at 5:30PM, Decatur Courtyard by Marriott, 130 Clairemont Ave., Decatur, Georgia 30030
Mon., July 27 at 1:00PM, Decatur Courtyard by Marriott
Mon., July 27, daytime Dublin location to be determined
Mon., July 27 at 6:00PM, Gainesville Fairfield Inn and Suites, 1755 Browns Bridge Rd., Gainesville, GA 30501
Mon., July 27 at 6:00PM, Macon Marriott City Center, 240 Coliseum Dr., Macon, GA 31217
Tues., July 28 at 6:00PM, Athens Springhill Suites, 3500 Daniells Bridge Road, Athens, GA 30606
Tues., July 28 at 6:00PM, Savannah Marriott Riverfront, 100 General McIntosh Blvd., Savannah, GA 31401
Weds., July 29, morning McDonough/Griffin Location to be determined
Another way to be involved would be for families and/or students to speak to the media about their experience in the segregated schooling and lack of access to positive inclusive opportunities. Please email or call the Outreach Director Timothy Pratt (tpratt@thegao.org 404.85.1234) if you are interested in this opportunity.
Please Forward this email to other interested individuals because we are going to need to come together as a community to hold to the promise of a quality education in the "most integrated setting" for all.
Leslie K. Lipson
Program Director
Georgia Advocacy Office
One Decatur Town Center
150 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Suite 430
Decatur, GA 30030
(404) 885-1234
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Posted by: Leslie Lipson <LLipson@thegao.org>
posted by Carol Sadler @ 3:20 PM
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