Everything Under The Sun: Restorative Justice In Action

The four R's of restorative justice, held by conference attendees.

Restorative justice, a means by which those who commit an offense against a society or community make amends through repairing the damage, righting the wrong, assuming responsibility, and returning to the good graces of that same society or community. Out in Colorado an organization, LONGMONT COMMUNITY JUSTICE PARTNERSHIP, provides restorative justice services and also teaches those practices in the school system and the communities of Boulder County.

Just last month, Boulder Prep, an alternative charter school in Gunbarrel, faced an incident involving five students, who were involved in a Nazi-themed chat on Facebook. The conversation eventually encompassed advocating to kill African-Americans and Jews.

Headmaster Lili Adeli became concerned because of the type of atmosphere the conversation created for her students and the possibility that the words could easily turn into action. In the beginning, all five students were expelled. But then, an appeals and restorative justice process was established for those of the five students who wished to return to the school.

One of the students has completed this process and another is involved in the process. Two decided not to appeal and their expulsions stand, while the fifth is barred from returning by a restraining order.

The appeals process involved the restorative justice panel presenting the impact of the threats, while the student read a statement that she had prepared in advance regarding why she should be allowed to return and how she could make amends. The panel worked with the student on the plan, which included attending a Yom Kippur service with Jewish students.

Although there were complaints by the expelled students that they were only joking around, it was pointed out to them how threatening the words, along with images of guns, were, such concepts as "final solution" and "white power", along with soliciting other students to join "so they can complete their 'mission'". Ms. Adeli responded, "It's definitely not a joke. That's why we took such a swift and firm position."

Police reported that besides the five students at Boulder Prep, there were ten other students from area schools involved in what they called the "4th Reich's Official Group Chat." They said they found out about the group when they were investigating a student's suicide unrelated to the chat group.

Part of the process at Boulder Prep is that administration is being as open as possible with the students, including allowing them to view the posts, without student names attached. Teachers are educating the students about the seriousness of posts of this nature.

Longmont Community Justice Program has the tools for restorative justice programs.

Members of the community are also being brought in to educate students about the history of hate groups and the many positive things that people from various cultures have to offer their community. The school has also begun a film series on the history of oppression. As Ms. Adeli noted, "Our ultimate goal is for them to really make a difference in their community."