Restorative Justice in a “Don’t Say Gay” State: Are Relationships Enough?

Abstract

Restorative justice, a nonpunitive alternative to traditional school discipline, emphasizes building and repairing relationships rather than punishing misbehavior. In addition to reducing reliance on suspension, restorative practices correlate with narrowed discipline gaps for minoritized student populations. It is essential for school leaders implementing restorative justice to cultivate trusting relationships and confront inequitable discipline practices. However, in an increasing number of states, new laws restrict or even prohibit such discussion. This case, set in a Florida high school, highlights the possibilities and complexities of “doing restorative” in the current political economy of schooling.