Event Recap
Defending Our Classrooms: School Safety Forum
Atlanta, GA

On March 5, 2025, Forefront convened educators, parents, policy experts, and community leaders for the Defending Our Classrooms: School Safety Forum—a powerful day of dialogue, strategy, and collective visioning around the future of school safety in America.

Highlights from the Forum:

• Keynote remarks from frontline educators and student advocates working in under-resourced school districts
• A panel discussion on the intersection of safety, mental health, and equitable education policies
• Data-backed presentations on the unintended consequences of over-policing in schools
• Breakout strategy sessions for grassroots organizing, legislative reform, and restorative safety models
• A live town hall that elevated voices from students and families directly impacted by school closures and criminalization

Why It Mattered:
The forum underscored a critical truth: real school safety goes beyond metal detectors and security budgets. It means building environments where students feel supported, protected, and empowered to learn. Together, we laid groundwork for policies rooted in justice, transparency, and care.

What’s Next:
We’re using insights from this event to shape our advocacy for:

• Ending punitive discipline models that disproportionately impact marginalized students
• Increasing funding for school counselors, social workers, and trauma-informed resources
• Ensuring community voices guide all future school safety legislation

 Support Ongoing School Safety Work

Let’s keep defending our classrooms—together.