Student Handbook

5.13 Restorative Justice

Introduction

Definition: A method of educational discipline that involves both the victim(s) and offender(s) along with their advocates and a mediation team. The process recognizes that the *incident was wrong and should not have occurred. The opportunity is that injustice is recognized, equity is restored and the future is clarified so both victim and offender feel safer, more respectful of one another, and more empowered and cooperative with each other and society. The process is designed to “make things as right as possible” for all involved.

*Incident: Defined as an offense against human relationships and/or a violation of a law (written to protect safety and fairness in human relationships.)

Guiding Principles/Values of Restorative Justice:

  1. An incident is an offense against human relationships.
  2. Victims and the community are central to the justice process.
  3. The first priority of justice processes is to assist victims and satisfy their safety concerns.
  4. The second priority is to restore the community, to the degree possible.
  5. The offender has personal responsibility to victims and to the community for crimes committed, but deserves to have their safety concerns satisfied as well.
  6. Stakeholders share responsibilities for Restorative Justice through partnerships for action.
  7. The offender will develop new & improved competencies for acting and being in a community.

Application:

All campus procedures will apply as stated in the Student Handbook except in situations where the Vice President of Student Services and/or Director of Residence Life/Student Activities determines that Restorative Justice is the better solution for the remedying the situation. If Restorative Justice is recommended, it will only be used if the following conditions exist:

  1. The victim is willing to participate
  2. The offender admits guilt and is willing to help restore equity and make things right as much as possible.

For more information regarding Restorative Justice, please stop by the Residence Life Office in the HSC, room 113.