Zero Tolerance: How Did We Get Here?
In the late 1990s when zero tolerance policies started in our nation’s schools they were designed to keep students safe. This was the Three-Strikes-and-You’re-Out era when everyone was “getting tough on crime.” And, like so many criminal justice processes, we extended those policies and attitudes to our schools. Then, shocked by the Columbine High School […]
Time to Build Restorative Justice into Training Plans
This August a new law takes effect requiring schools to consider restorative justice before imposing any long-term suspension or expulsion. Further, the law creates a rebuttable presumption that students should stay in school. This is a significant departure from Zero Tolerance that demanded suspension for any number of infractions. With spring break on their doorstep, […]
It’s Official! Michigan Using RJ To Keep Kids in School
Last week I was honored and delighted to celebrate Governor Snyder’s signing of legislation that loosens Zero Tolerance chokehold on school discipline. Under legislation sponsored by Representative Andy Schor and Senator Rick Jones, schools are now encouraged to consider restorative justice to address even the most severe discipline incidents that once resulted in mandatory suspension […]
By Any Other Name
I had lunch last week with a friend who asked me about my work. I gave her my elevator speech explanation of Restorative Justice, and she replied: “I believe in it. I just think you need a better name for it.” Boy, I couldn’t agree more. I told her I’ve wracked my brain to think […]
Heart-Expanding Training
In the early 2000s, I had the privilege of working in schools as Restorative Justice Coordinator. In that role, I deeply admired the children and youth who worked through their conflicts in the RJ Room. I carry many of their faces and stories tenderly in my heart today. Now, I share their stories as I […]
Stronger than Death
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text] A key element of restorative justice is the question “How do we heal the harm as much as possible?” In my mind, that caveat (“as much as possible”) always conjurs images of someone dying or sustaining some horrific injury such as the murder or maiming of a child. Yet, Mary Johnson and Oshea […]
Zeroing in on Zero-Tolerance
Over the holidays, the Michigan legislature gave learning communities a great gift–a bi-partisan bill package that updates the Revised School Code (MCL 303.1310). This legislation expands options dictated under zero tolerance measures. Better still, it empowers schools to use more productive, developmental discipline that includes consideration of mitigating factors and an exploration of whether restorative […]
Thinking About Community
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5twHP954mI&feature=youtu.be” title=”Community”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]I’m thinking about COMMUNITY. What happens to a baby separated from caregivers and their circle of support? The infant dies. Humans EVOLVED in community and community is where we develop as individuals and members of society. So why would we think it makes sense to exclude a child from his or […]
RJ News Articles You Might Enjoy
Periodically, I will post an entry that includes links to articles and stories in the media that highlight restorative justice practices in school and in life. Follow the links below to learn about how other communities are using restorative justice philosophy and practices and how it is affecting their communities. Education Week, October 16, 2012, […]
A Different Approach
When I say that restorative justice (RJ) favors healing over punishment, here’s what I mean.
For misconduct, our traditional discipline system asks three basic questions:
WHAT RULES HAVE BEEN BROKEN?
WHO DID IT?
WHAT DO THEY DESERVE?[1]
Accountability is defined by legal consequences such as fines, community service, suspension, expulsion or incarceration.