Approaches to Restorative Justice

A recent NYTimes feature discussed the application of restorative justice to an independent school environment. Instead of an expulsion after a discriminatory encounter, the institution led two students to mutual understanding and forgiveness following a discussion.

I suspect that many independent schools will apply restorative justice to their own disciplinary frameworks. I worry the luster of the approach will fade, diminishing its effectiveness. As the process evolves, I challenge independent schools to consider non-traditional ways of re-educating and reconciling to break long-standing molds of ignorance.

• Appoint a council of students, who demonstrate a commitment to justice principles, to innovate and administer non-traditional restorative approaches. The approaches must not humiliate or demean; allow trustees and teachers to prepare a rubric for assessing approach appropriateness.

• Consider cross-cultural exchanges and immersions for education. Invite students to dedicate an entire year to attending culturally proficient arts performances and talk-backs.

• Invite consequences, not only discussions and experiences, into the justice framework. There are real-life consequences for using hate speech.

• Partner with local community non-profit organizations to pre-determine pathways for immersive social-cultural experiences.

• Share anonymized reports on restorative justice approaches and learnings in student newspapers and assemblies, parent newsletters, and alumni magazines.