Circle Time: Understanding Restorative Justice and its Practices in the Classroom

Roxana Kazemi, MFT-r

Zoom Webinar

July 8, 2022, Noon to 1pm Eastern 

Zero tolerance behavior management systems are among the most common behavior management systems. These systems, however, are often ineffective in decreasing disciplinary infractions. Although zero tolerance behavior management systems aim to be objective by removing a member of a system perceived as disruptive from their environment, the implementation of zero tolerance behavior management systems have disproportionately affected people of color, particularly youth– specifically Black males. As a result, people of color are more likely to be removed from their environments, are pathologized as disruptive or dangerous, and, therefore, under zero-tolerance systems receive an inequitable education compared to their white peers.  Restorative justice (RJ) principles serve as a culturally responsive, therapeutic alternative to zero-tolerance behavior management systems. RJ principles such as RJ circles also work to facilitate an open dialogue between both the injurer and injured parties by creating a holding environment where solutions to conflicts and problems can be created in a collaborative way. However, implementing RJ practices requires a comprehensive paradigm shift in attitudes towards disciplinary action within a system and its stakeholders.