1,000 Circles: Restorative Justice in Schools
It’s back-to-school season, and we are continuing our work to reduce the use of unnecessary suspensions and expulsions that disproportionately affect students of color.
In five Brooklyn high schools with high suspension rates, Center for Court Innovation staff have so far led more than 1,000 circles, at which students share experiences, build relationships, and search for alternative ways to resolve conflicts.
The work is part of our deep investment in restorative practices that includes a three-year randomized controlled trial to test whether this approach can improve school culture and student outcomes. That trial won’t be complete until next year, but the vast majority of students say they have stronger relationships with other students and adults as a result of our programming, while teachers report fewer fights.
At the heart of the Center’s restorative justice work is the belief that students need supportive and healthy relationships to thrive. We believe schools can help young people to fulfill their potential by repairing harm when conflicts happen.
If you have questions about our work, please contact us.
Highlights
- PBS NewsHour profiles our restorative justice in schools program
- NationSwell visits the peacemaking program at our Red Hook Community Justice Center
- Our study asks: 'Can Restorative Practices Address Intimate Partner Violence?'