Response to Apalachee HS Tragedy

September 6, 2024

September 6, 2024

Athens, GA--Georgia Conflict Center grieves the deaths of four members of the Georgia school community in Wednesday's brutal mass shooting at Apalachee High School. Our hearts are with those who mourn Richard Aspinwall, Christina Irimie, Mason Schermerhorn, and Christian Angulo, and with all of those physically and emotionally injured by the violence.In this most difficult time, we stand with all those who continue to uphold the right of our children to receive an education free of violence, and to honor the teachers, school staff and administrators, law enforcement and others who dedicate their lives to keeping our school communities safe. Thank you.

Events like this one, are tragically familiar in our country. While many physical wounds will heal, the anguish, trauma, and shattering of our collective sense of safety will undoubtedly linger.

While this tragedy calls us to grieve and mourn the pain and loss of our neighbors, it also strengthens our resolve to continue building safety in schools by teaching students to manage conflict without violence and create positive relationships with adults. We work with students, school staff, parents, and caregivers to create a school culture that is inclusive and resilient and helps protect everyone against harm. We believe these proactive approaches are an indispensable part of preventing school violence, and of supportive healing when violence does occur.

We offer the following resources for those who would like further information and support:

In solidarity with all those struggling and striving for a day that our children no longer have to fear gun violence in their school or in their community,

The Georgia Conflict Center Team

other blogs and recommended reading

Update about GCC Winter 2023 Fundraising

GCC Winter 2023 Fundraising Campaign

GCC Fundraising Priorities for 2024

Read full article (LINK OPENS IN A NEW TAB) →

Jabari Cobb

Jabari Cobb, the Director of Behavior Supports & Discipline for Clarke County School District, shares the impact that GCC has made--school by school--and how his involvement with restorative practices has strengthened.

Read full article (LINK OPENS IN A NEW TAB) →

"Over Ruled" Contemplates the Upward Spiral of Restorative Justice

Taken at face value, the 12′ structure installed on playa will spell out a cheeky provocation, “NO DANCING,” clearly legible from afar. But as the viewer approaches, each of the large block letters will reveal a story, a testimonial from a real person about a personal experience with unjust rules. Smith sees the piece as a call to awareness of social injustice and the power of restorative justice.

Read full article (LINK OPENS IN A NEW TAB) →

Remembering How to Be Friends: After COVID, One School Uses Talking Circles to Help Kids Reconnect

That predictable, structured place to safely share is critical, especially for students who want to take on society’s bigger challenges, Swearingen said. “It puts us in a spot where we can be vulnerable with each other, and because we can be vulnerable together we can be productive.”

Read full article (LINK OPENS IN A NEW TAB) →

Opinion

Where Is the Forgiveness and Grace in Cancel Culture?

A link to an editorial written on 12/28/21 in the New York Times from Michael Eric Dyson, reflecting on Bishop Tutu's approach to apartheid and the limited value of punishment or banishment.

Read full article (LINK OPENS IN A NEW TAB) →