Georgia students are affecting change at the state Capitol

The Georgia Youth Justice Coalition is employing lessons learned from the Atlanta Student Movement of the 1960s.

John Amis / Associated Press

A group of Georgia students delivered a letter to some state lawmakers this week opposing bills that would affect public schools. The Georgia Youth Justice Coalition said the letter is part of what they’re calling a Southern Student Rights Appeal. The group says it’s a continuation of An Appeal for Human Rights published by the Atlanta Student Movement in 1960.

The letter takes issue with several bills being considered. They include two that ban “divisive concepts” from being taught in schools, a measure that would prevent transgender girls from participating in school sports and several bills that would restrict voting access.

The students split up into groups to visit the offices of lawmakers who sponsor the bills. Most were either in session or in other meetings. So the students left the letter and their contact information with assistants, asking for a phone call or personal meeting.