New Orleans, LA  (November 4, 2024) – St. Augustine High School was proud to host their “Democracy Under Pressure” ahead of this year’s election, an impactful event dedicated to deepening students’ understanding of the intersection between law and democracy. This assembly, organized by Judge Rhonda Good Douglas and Arlinda Westbrook, active and committed members of the school’s Parent-Teacher Association, was designed to spark conversations around key legal issues shaping our society. By engaging students directly, the event emphasized the importance of civic participation and underscored the value of informed citizenship.

The program consisted of five sessions, with a primary panel discussion on Criminal Justice Reform and its vital connection to policing. The panel featured prominent local leaders, including District Attorney Jason Williams, Chief Michael Harrison, Judge Rhonda Good Douglas, and Sheriff Susan Hutson. District Attorney Williams led the conversation, with a particular focus on his office’s Civil Rights Division (CRD) and the pivotal role it plays in upholding justice and reckoning with the sins of the past.

A Pivotal Moment: How the Outcome of This Election Will Shape Your Future and the Future of Our Democracy

District Attorney Williams passionately emphasized, “Gentlemen, the fate of our democracy hangs in the balance on Tuesday. Your first years of manhood will be greatly impacted by the outcome of this election.”

Inspiring Future Leaders: Exploring the Resilience of Democracy and Pressing Legal Challenges

“Our theme, Democracy Under Pressure, invites students to consider the resilience and integrity of democratic institutions, especially as they relate to pressing legal issues,” said Judge Good Douglas. “Through these discussions, we hope to equip young minds with insights that will empower them as future leaders and engaged citizens.”