Breaking the "School to Prison Pipeline"

The "School to Prison Pipeline" is a well researched phenomenon in the United States education system which describes the persistent pattern of policies and practices (i.e. "zero tolerance policies", police officers stationed within schools, security measures such as metal detectors and illegal searches) that disproportionately negatively impact marginalized students of color, students identifying as LGBTQ+, and students with disabilities. These policies, practices, and behaviors work to push youth out of public schools and into the juvenile and criminal justice system.  We believe all children deserve a school environment that is safe and supportive of students' identities, cultures, and developmental abilities. 

For more information and research on the School to Prison Pipeline:
American Civil Liberties Union - School to Prison Pipeline
Advancement Project - School to Prison Pipeline
Teaching Tolerance - School to Prison Pipeline
​YWCA Madison - Comprehensive list of STPP Resources

Restorative Justice in Education Framework

Picture
Restorative Justice in Education (RJE) differs from the Restorative Justice approach within the criminal justice context. While still grounded in the core beliefs that all people are worthy and interconnected, as defined in "The Little Book of Restorative Justice in Education", there are 3 interconnected and equally important concepts in RJE:
​
  1. Creating and sustaining just and equitable learning environments
  2. Nurturing healthy relationships
  3. Repairing harm and transforming conflict

​RJE works to foster learning environments where all students, staff, and families are acknowledged and accepted for who they are and how they identify their race, gender, sexuality, socioeconomic status, religion, language, and ability. RJE requires a focus on building healthy and authentic relationships between and among staff, students, and families. 
​Finally, RJE understands conflict as a naturally occurring within relationships and provides opportunities for learning, transformation, and healing.

RJE is a growing national movement. We look to learn from school communities working to implement RJE in their spaces including:
​Oakland Unified School District - Restorative Justice for Oakland Youth

Dane County School Districts

We are working to connect with every public school district throughout Dane County, Wisconsin to learn more about their community culture, use of Restorative Justice in Education philosophy and partnerships, and to build a community of Restorative Justice advocates and practitioners throughout the County.