Restorative Justice
A way of addressing harm and focusing on the needs of the victim, the offender, and the community. The stakeholders work together to understand impact and repair harm once accountability has been taken.
What is Restorative Justice (RJ)?
Restorative Justice at CSU focuses on understanding the impacts of behavior and/or decisions that cause harm. Processes can include those directly harmed, those responsible for causing harm, and community representatives/stakeholders to repair harm to all parties.
Restorative Justice Indigenous Roots
While Restorative Justice is becoming more widely used and known, it is deeply rooted in indigenous peacekeeping practices. The Student Resolution Center acknowledges the approaches used by Indigenous people to rebuild relationships with each other. Relying on re-establishing harmony, instead of isolation and punishment, our program honors the history and roots of Restorative Justice.
CSU Restorative Justice Process
Stakeholders of Restorative Justice
Victim
Victims and impacted parties have a voice in the process and outcome after an incident occurs. Through a restorative process they get to decide their level of participation, share how they were impacted, and have a voice in the final outcome.
Offender
Restorative processes help the offender think about decisions/actions that lead to the incident occurring. We support our students to take accountability and learn through the process and reflective thinking to become a better version of themselves.
Community
When an incident occurs, there are ripple effects of people, systems, and things that are impacted. Community members plays a critical role in the restorative justice process by helping hold the offender accountable and supporting the victim.
5 R’s of Restorative Justice
Credited to Beverly Title, founder of Resolutionaries
What is Expected of Me in RJ?
- Remain in contact with RJ staff throughout the process.
- Show up to scheduled appointments.
- Check your email frequently for communication from RJ staff.
- Notify RJ staff of any additional police contact that may occur (if applicable).
- Take accountability for your actions.
- Bring your authentic self to all meetings and interactions.
- Be committed to a 3-6 month process.
- Be prepared to repair harm to self and others.
- Communicate court requirements (if applicable).
