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Dear Faculty Relations — Our unit is trying to turn the corner with a formerly abrasive colleague. They know they've caused harm, and I really want us all to move forward. Can you suggest some practices that move beyond punishment and help us to repair our relationships?ÌýÌý— Hopeful Chair Ìý

Dear Hopeful ChairÌý— I applaud you for wanting to think beyond punishment and focus on the relationships in your unit. Most of us aren’t used to thinking that way. And luckily, there are tested practices that do just this. Restorative Justice (RJ) offers an opportunity for those who have caused harm, those who have been harmed, and all other members of a department to reaffirm, repair, and rebuild their relationships. These practices can also help toÌýimprove your department’s climate. Ìý

What is RJ? 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. A central component of RJ is a collaborative decision-making process that includes:Ìý

• Accepting and acknowledging responsibility for harmful behavior.Ìý

• Repairing the harm caused to individuals and the community.ÌýÌý

• Working to rebuild trust by showing understanding of the harm, addressing personal issues, and building social connections.Ìý

Even better, RJ is a proven and effective method for repairing harm without punitive measures. Rather than imposing a punishment, the RJ Circle process seeks mutual understanding by providing the opportunity for everyone who agrees to participate to share their perspectives and listen to their colleagues. Instead, the RJ process is voluntary, and the Circle process draws from indigenous knowledge. RJ acknowledges that:Ìý

• We are all in need of help and helping others helps oneself. Ìý

• Repairing harm requires the collective wisdom of everyone in the Circle.Ìý

• All Circle participants are equals.Ìý

• It is valuable for all participants to share their individual life experiences and wisdom to generate a new way of understanding the current situation that caused harm and to collectively agree on solutions.

If you’re curious to learn more, please get in touch. Faculty Relations facilitates RJ circles on campus and has a wealth of resources for learning more about RJ.ÌýÌý

Written by Jennifer Fluri, Faculty Director for Leadership and Restorative Practices, Office of Faculty Affairs and Professor and Chair of Geography, College of Arts and Sciences.

ALI Newsletter, Sep.Ìý2024.Ìý

Resources: Karp, David R. (2019) The Little Book of Restorative Justice for Colleges and Universities. Good Books.Ìý