Preventing Discrimination in Athens

The Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement (AADM)’s first major win was the passage of an alcohol anti-discrimination ordinance in 2016. In 2021, the Athens Mayor & Commission went a step further and unanimously passed a more comprehensive Non-Discrimination Ordinance. These important civil rights ordinances would not have been possible without the community coming together with the AADM.

But local policy is not enough. Click here to read more and get involved.

Decriminalizing Marijuana

For years, the AADM advocated for the decriminalization of marijuana in Athens as part of our Freedom Fund’s campaign to address mass incarceration. Many Athenians, particularly Black and brown Athenians, had been arrested and incarcerated with no bond for simple possession charges. 

In 2022, along with several other community organizations, the AADM rallied at Athens’ City Hall in support of the passage of an ordinance that would decriminalize marijuana. Later in the meeting, the ACC Mayor and Commission passed the ordinance, making possession of one ounce or less of marijuana a citation-worthy offense rather than one that mandates incarceration and is punishable by a fine of $35.

But we are still advocating for progress. Click here to read more and get involved.

Civilian Oversight and transparency in policing

In response to incoming community complaints and a few key incidents regarding misuse of police force, ICE raids, and the over-policing and incarceration of Black and brown community members, the AADM the AADM teamed up with several other community organizations to advocate for civilian oversight to be established in Athens. In 2021, the AADM rallied close to 100 people from all over Athens at a ACC Mayor & Commission meeting. After hearing the outpour of support from community members, the ACC Mayor & Commission passed the Public Safety Civilian Oversight Board ordinance.

But our work is not done. Click here to read more and get involved.

Local Cash Bail Ordinance

Cash bail is the money paid on the behalf of people who are incarcerated pre-trial must pay as collateral to get out of jail. The cash bail system disproportionately benefits wealthier people, as they are more able to allocate the money necessary to post bond. When money is the sole thing determining someone’s freedom, they are in effect “guilty until proven innocent”. Therefore, the AADM has made advocating for the elimination of cash bail a priority.
In 2019, the Mayor & Commission passed an amendment to the Freedom Act of Athens-Clarke County that effectively eliminated cash bail for low-level, non-violent offenses. The AADM was a significant part of organizing meetings and community discussions to increase awareness around alternative to the cash bail system.

But we still have cash bail. Click here to read more and get involved.