The brutal arrest of a South Carolina high school student this fall, and threats of violence on campuses around the country, have refocused attention on how schools discipline students and mete out punishment. With statistics pointing to continued racial gaps in suspension and expulsion rates, schools are turning toward “restorative justice” as a way to resolve conflicts, build a sense of community, and keep kids in school. Kojo explores how restorative justice works in one local school system, finds out how it helps keep peace in — and outside — the classroom, and discusses its impact on the “school-to-prison” pipeline.

Guests

  • Arthur Romano Assistant Professor, School of Conflict Analysis and Resolution, George Mason University
  • Vickie Shoap Restorative Justice Specialist, Fairfax County Public Schools
  • Jonathan Stith Founder and National Coordinator, Alliance for Educational Justice

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