From the Frontline

Meet the Team Fighting the School-to-Prison Pipeline

Welcome to From the Frontline

We're glad you're here. Student Defense Alliance exists because every student deserves a fair shot at their education, regardless of their zip code, disability status, or their family's ability to pay for an attorney. This is our space to keep you informed, share resources, and grow a community of people who believe the same thing. Welcome to the frontline.

What Is SDA?

We connect students and families across Colorado with pro bono legal representation to fight the school-to-prison pipeline. In 2022-2023, 81% of students disciplined in Colorado were Black and Hispanic/Latino, despite making up just over half the student population. Students with disabilities are suspended at nearly double their population rate. From the moment a student is first suspended or expelled, they become twice as likely to be arrested later in life. This is the system we're fighting, and we're not stopping.

Meet the Team

Elie Zwiebel, Co-Executive Director: A former teacher across the U.S. and internationally, Elie has provided legal representation to students and families in Colorado schools and courts since 2017, after training with movement lawyering organizations and students' rights groups.

Lynnie Lucas, Co-Executive Director: Lynnie transitioned from corporate marketing into education and youth rights law, interning at Disability Law Colorado before joining SDA. She has been representing young people in Colorado schools since 2024.

Anna Harvey, Legal Fellow & Education Attorney: Anna represents students and families in special education and school discipline matters. A graduate of Brown University and UVA School of Law, she was awarded the Powell Fellowship in Legal Services in 2025, funding free representation for SDA clients through 2027.

Halle Collins, Administrative Support: Halle keeps SDA running smoothly behind the scenes, making sure every effort stays centered on the students at its heart.

Tip of the Issue

Know your rights before a school meeting. If your child is facing a disciplinary hearing, you have the right to bring a representative. You don't have to walk in alone. Reach out to SDA before the meeting, because early contact makes a real difference:

info@studentdefensealliance.com |  720-927-7693

Get Involved

Whether you need legal support, want to donate, or are an attorney looking to take on pro bono work, there's a place for you here.