Restorative Justice

What is Restorative Justice?

The beliefs and values of restorative justice are rooted in the traditions of indigenous people and communities of color around the world, and are grounded in the belief that people are profoundly interconnected, and relational.  Restorative justice / practices include ways of creating community that honor the importance of relationships amongst all members in the community, as well as practices to repair and heal when harm has been caused. 

By using restorative processes in schools, members of the school community build relationships, a sense of belonging within a community, and social emotional skills, which are keys to learning, and to positive and healthy school climate for students and adults. 

Restorative Justice Coordinators at each of the four comprehensive high schools, and three middle schools, establish and coordinate school-based restorative justice teams to infuse restorative mindsets and racially just and equitable practices into school culture and systems and elevate youth voice and leadership in restorative justice work.  Additional elementary, middle, and high schools may identify school-based restorative justice point people to coordinate restorative justice initiatives, i.e. school staff’s restorative justice professional learning.