What is Restorative Justice

Restorative justice recognizes that alternative approaches are needed in our criminal justice and school disciplinary systems. As research shows, suspensions and expulsions are often linked to higher rates of future involvement with the criminal justice system. This impact, often called the school-to-prison pipeline, disproportionately impacts students of color and students with disabilities.

Restorative justice is an alternative to the typical punish/suspend method of discipline that has been historically used. The process helps students handle conflict and misbehavior in a restorative way, allowing them to actively make amends and repair harm. In addition, restorative practices in schools can promote positive feelings, rather than resentment and alienation within the school setting, and teach students important lifelong skills for conflict resolution.