Memorandum to create School Conflict Diversion Committee Signed

According to a recent article in the Macon Telegraph, we can hope to see fewer students in juvenile court soon. Many judges, law officials and others signed a memorandum of understanding aiming to send fewer students who commit non-felony offenses to juvenile court. “We hope (it) will bring a great outcome, not only for the youth who will come through this protocol, but for the school system in general and in the Bibb County community as well,” said attorney Veronica McClendon with the Georgia Legal Services Program, which helped put the agreement together.

According to the article, this agreement states that students who commit minor infractions, such as schoolyard fights, would be sent to a School Conflict Diversion Committee (made up of several of Promise Neighborhood's partners) School Superintendant, Romain Dallemand, emphasized that this new program does not condone or excuse negative behavior, but gives students a second chance at staying out of the court system. Normal felony charges would be handled by local officials. District Attorney, Greg Winters, agrees. “This isn’t giving a blank check to students at our school,” he said. “I wouldn’t allow that, and I wouldn’t be a part of that.”Clayton County issued a similar program in 2004 with great results. It is said that 70 percent fewer weapons were reported on campus, 87 percent decrease in fights and 20 percent in graduation rates.

Takeyah, our summer intern agrees. "Macon Promise Neighborhood would agree with everybody going for the memorandum because it shows that students make mistakes and the should have a chance to redeem their self. Even though this is a work in progress it will soon be finalized." With one of the overarching goals of Promise Neighborhood to increase graduation rates, this could prove a very successful program. According to McClendon, having any interaction with the court system increases the likelihood of a second encounter. We want our students off the streets, out of the courts, and in school. This program is a step in the right direction.

Read the full story here to hear more from our very own Veronica McClendon, a member of the Promise Neighborhood Partner's Council and co-chair of the Health and Safety committee.