Critical Restorative Justice in Action: A Case Study

• In Event: 47.095 - MTCC Roundtable Session 19
  In Roundtable Session: 47.095-10 - Examining Power: Discipline, Displacement, and Deficit Discourses

Abstract

Restorative practices are touted as an answer to the racial discipline gap; yet they perpetuate racial disparities (Author, 2016; Anyon et al, 2016; Payne & Welch, 2013). In light of this year’s AERA conference theme, we go beyond the quantitative data on discipline disparities to understand what about restorative practices make them effective sites for improving student behavior and overall school climate. Through ethnographic case study, we examine one charter high school in urban Texas, we found that the school’s self-proclaimed ‘critical’ approach to restorative practices led to more vulnerability and empowerment for both students and staff. Our findings have implications for others trying to implement restorative practices, as well as those researching them.

Authors

• Hilary Lustick, Texas State University - San Marcos

• Orlando Hinojosa, Texas State University - San Marcos