November 30, 2010
Monday, December 6, Set For Discussion About “Police In Schools: Are Our Children Safer?”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Dotty Griffith, Public Education Director, ACLU Foundation of Texas, (512) 478-7300 x 106 or 923-1909; [email protected]

AUSTIN – The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Texas, Lone Star Legal Aid, and Concerned Citizens for Racial Equality will co-sponsor an open community forum Monday, December 6, 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Westside Building, Paris and Lamar County Fairgrounds.

Scheduled speakers include Gouri Bhat, senior staff attorney of the ACLU of Texas; Sharon Reynerson, supervising attorney of Lone Star Legal Aid, and Brenda Cherry, president of Concerned Citizens for Racial Equality.

“We are concerned about and want to discuss policies that are driving high drop out rates among our school children. We anticipate talking about things such as truancy law enforcement through ticketing and fines and jailing for failure to pay, as well as zero tolerance policies,” said Terri Burke, executive director of the ACLU of Texas.

The event is free and open to the public. Sandwiches, snacks, soft drinks, and water will be available.

When: Monday, December 6, 7 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Westside Building, Paris and Lamar County Fairgrounds, 570 E. Center St., Paris, TX 75460
Open to: Students, parents, educators, anyone interested in school discipline issues.