Restorative justice programs are the future, but why are they still so rare?

By: Mariana Ramirez

When I began volunteering for the Teen Court program at my school, I didn’t yet realize how transformative it would be. It wasn’t until I left my hometown and saw how other schools across California operate that I understood how uncommon my experience was. Many schools rely on limited intervention programs that leave little room for understanding or growth. Although many schools work to address misconduct through School Resource Officers (SROs) or counseling services, it often leads to punishment rather than prevention. The lack of resources across schools has only led to systems that address harm by managing it, which only pushes students into more disciplinary systems.   

Teen Court reframed how I understood the impacts of discipline on students. Rather than the traditional figures of authority, decision making power was instead placed in the hands of students. In allowing a jury of peers to understand the needs of the “offending” student, it not only platforms the student, but provides an approach of care that centers trust and understanding. It is the jury of students who work alongside the “offending” student to create solutions that meet their needs. In understanding the context behind these cases, it revealed that many acts of deviance stemmed from underlying struggles tied to difficulties in learning or mental health challenges. Rather than suspending students, solutions were instead oriented to connect them with supportive resources, such as tutoring services, mental health counseling, or workshops that helped them better manage these challenges. Turning to restorative amends over punishment directly disrupts the school-to-prison pipeline by introducing alternative routes that don't stain records. 

If these types of programs significantly reduce recidivism rates and overall create a better school culture, why aren't these programs established in every school? The answer lies in the lack of resources. Not only do restorative programs require funding, but furthermore proper staffing, and facilities to hold these programs. When schools are already stretched thin and struggling to pay teachers and sustain basic programs, restorative justice can feel out of reach.  These limitations are rooted in larger policy decisions, however. Reforming Prop 13 is the key to expanding programs within our schools, as it would generate billions in revenue for education. We need to invest in our students’ success and growth instead of repeating cycles of oppression. If we want restorative justice to be the norm, we have to be willing to raise revenue and stop providing tax cuts for greedy corporations.