Restorative Responses for Campus Climate in the Post-Election Era

Since the November 2016 elections, campuses have had to address a new wave of climate issues, even as we continue to respond to cases that arise with regularity. In this live briefing, we will discuss the tools and strategies for responding restoratively to cases of miscommunication or more intentional forms of discrimination across racial, ethnic, religious, gender and class differences, as well as sexual misconduct and harm. The restoratvie justice emphasis on harm, accountability and the needs of all involved can open spaces for new conversations, enhanced understanding across difference and sometimes, real transformation. At the same time, restorative approaches are more effective when they are first used preventatively, that is, as a means of building communities of empathy and care.