restorative-justice-at-brandeis

Restorative Justice at Brandeis “Though real change is a process, RJ is a step in using reflection, narrative and shared humanity to make a step towards that change." RJ Participant Reflection From Brandeis University Rights and Responsibilities: According to the Project on Restorative Justice at Skidmore College, RJ “is a philosophical approach that embraces the reparation of harm, healing of trauma, reconciliation of interpersonal conflict, reduction of social inequality, and reintegration of people who have been marginalized and outcast.” Central to RJ is collaborative decision making that includes community members such as those who have been harmed and those who have caused harm along with others impacted by the harm RJ depends upon the willingness of both parties to freely choose to participate and in those who have caused harm acknowledging responsibility for the harm they caused to others and to the best of their ability repair the harm they caused to harmed parties and the community Questions for circle facilitation For person/people who caused the harm: • • • • • What happened? What were you thinking at the time? What have you thought about since? Who has been affected by this incident an in what way? What can be done to address the harm and rebuild trust? For people who have been harmed: • • • • What happened? What impact has this incident had on you? What has been the hardest thing for you? What can be done to address the harm and rebuild trust? “I believe that participating in the Restorative Justice process was transformational for all involved The process is set up in a way that encourages accountability while also allowing space for education, healing, and most importantly compassion Participating in a circle gave me time and space to listen to each individual involved, which allowed me to once again feel compassion for those who harmed me Restorative Justice is facilitated in a way that reminds us that we are all human While there are actions members of our community take that we not support or agree with, the restorative justice process “Since Brandeis is just in the beginning stages of implementing RJ circles, it can use all the institutional support possible to get RJs off the ground My experience with this one RJ circle on campus, and with RJ circles in the past, speaks to their power as a powerful alternative to traditional disciplinary approaches Though not suitable in every circumstance, RJ circles are an effective way of creating circles where personal accountability, reconciliation, and community connection is deepened after behavioral incidents.” RJ Participant Reflection allows those who harm to realize that one action does not define them By focusing on accountability and compassion, restorative justice allows us to heal and move forward as a community “ RJ Participant Reflection If you are interested in training to be an RJ facilitator, refer to the Skidmore University Website for details http://www.skidmore.edu/campusrj/aboutus.php Questions about RJ at Brandeis, contact kguerard@brandeis.edu or mgnanar@brandeis.edu