The Implementation of Restorative Justice Practices: What Does Six Years of Data Reveal About the Changes in the Reported Discipline Rates for African American Students?

Abstract

African American students continue to be suspended at rates disproportionate to same-aged peers. The purpose of this study is to use empirical evidence to determine the associated influence of restorative justice (RJ) on a large urban district by studying discipline gap data for the 3 years before and after implementation. Results of the study indicate that since the implementation of RJ in the SFUSD, there has been a significant decrease in expulsions, but not in suspensions. Suspensions for African American students at the end of the 3-year implementation period mirrored the suspension rate reported the year before implementation.