Building Accountability and Respect

Having a background in criminal justice, I am familiar with the concept of Restorative Justice. Although there are many variances, the basics of Restorative Justice focus on repairing the harm done and providing a method of “healing.” Some consider it as being too easy on the offender. Others view Restorative Justice as simply a way for the offender to get away with his/her offense without “paying a price.” Nothing could be further from the truth.

Restorative Justice is not a specific program, but rather a set of values and principles that become a guide on how a community or, in our case, an institution of higher learning approaches its response to policy infractions and student misconduct. Additionally, Restorative Justice focuses on the future, or the outcome of the process. This differs from “traditional” justice where the focus is on the present – the offender and the punishment. In one of the articles I read, the author, Eric Gilman, did an excellent job of explaining this. Mr. Gilman explained that in order to truly recover from a crime, all parties must be involved in the outcome or “healing” – the victim(s), the community, and the offender.

The outcomes for the offended include:
§ Having the opportunity to be heard
§ Having input in the “restoration” process and making sure his/her harms are actually addressed
§ Receiving the support needed for healing

The community focus for outcomes should address:
§ Insuring a safe community environment
§ Partnering with the justice system to assist the victim and the offender in becoming positive members of the community

As for the offender, the primary focus of Restorative Justice involves:
§ Accountability for the harm done
§ Being active in determining how the harms are addressed
§ Re-entry into the community as a productive and caring citizen

All of these principles are very applicable to the college campus environment. I will say that there are certain offenses that I do not feel should fall completely under the umbrella of Restorative Justice. By this I am referring to violent offenses that are better served with a combination approach of traditional and restorative.

Mr. Gilman’s entire article can be found at http://www.sfu.ca/cfrj/fulltext/gilman.pdf

Another source I found interesting was the Restorative Solutions website: http://www.restorativesolutions.us/colleges.html

Bearing in mind that this site is in the business of selling training workshops, they did have some interesting ideas worth sharing.

I am sure that most will agree that a lasting solution to any problem is one in which those affected have some sense of ownership. Following the principles of participation found in the concept of Restorative Justice – the students, the university officials, and the offender, all have a voice in the restoration process. Allowing the offender to be an active participant in this process will lead to a more long lasting and meaningful outcome for all parties involved.

Secondly, the Restorative Justice system requires the offender (which in this case would be a student) be held accountable to all parties. Students who violate campus policy or are involved in misconduct are actually offending everyone associated with the school. Even those who are not “direct” victims are affected by the mark on the reputation of the institution. Restorative Justice requires that the offender be held accountable to everyone. In return, the university can also play an active role in helping the offending student continue as a productive and responsible member of the university community.

Lastly, I believe that Restorative Justice facilitates a culture of caring. It has long been my philosophy that most crimes are the result of a lack of respect – both civilly and personally. Implementing Restorative Justice provides for an opportunity for others to share what respect means in their lives and how it has shaped their values. Who knows, it might be contagious.