Restorative justice offers a conflict-resolution method that emphasizes repairing harm done to members of the community rather than concentrating on blame and punishment. The parties involved in the incident collaborate to create a resolution that fulfills their needs, discourages future misconduct, and restores the community’s trust in the responsible party. Trained facilitators guide the process.
Stanford community members can request a restorative justice circle by contacting the Office of Community Standards. It is not necessary to file an allegation that a policy violation may have occurred.
Some concerns that are initially reported to the Office of Community Standards as policy violations may be referred to restorative justice circles for resolution. A referral may occur if
There are three elements in the restorative justice process: a pre-circle consultation, the restorative justice circle and implementation of any resolution.
1. A facilitator meets with the participants separately prior to the actual restorative justice circle. During this meeting, participants acquire information about the process, address any apprehensions, determine if they want to invite a support person to join the circle, and provide information to the facilitator.
2. The restorative justice circle is a structured conversation with defined stages:
3. After the restorative justice circle is concluded, participants take responsibility for completing the agreed upon actions. The Office of Community Standards monitors the agreement.