Thread by @ameenalpayne

Let's discuss the importance of restorative justice through a critical race lens,@cityofurbana. In 2015, there were 667 total suspensions (in-school and out-of school) at @Urbana116. Of those, 66% were Black students (1)

#RestorativeJustice #RestorativePractice #EdEquityOrElse

The question of safety in schools is not just about preventing extreme forms of violence, fights, or bullying. It is also about shrinking the achievement gap since the way @Urbana116 disciplines its students will either help or hurt academic achievement (2)

#RestorativePractice

“Time spent learning is the single best predictor of positive academic outcomes.” Suspensions and expulsions are time spent out of the classroom (3)

@PaignToPeace @CU_Indivisible @ACLUofIL @il_fps
#RestorativeJustice #RestorativePractice #EdEquityOrElse

In a restorative response, schools are reminded that when a student does something ‘against the rules’ the important thing is not that a rule has been broken. Schools create rules for the purpose of helping us stay safe & live well together (4)
#RestorativePractice #EdEquity

This is different from a punitive approach that seeks to blame, shame & give a ‘wrongdoer’ what they ‘deserve’.
A restorative approach is also in alignment w/ Mayor @dwmarlin /@cityofurbana priorities on building safe communities & recruiting, retaining & supporting staff (5)

The only reasonable and evidence-based solution is to shift financial investment from the @cityofurbana Police Department to other departments that strengthen our public schools, communities, improve social determinants of health & well-being (6)

@cityofurbana Board of Education & community leaders must be able & willing to commit to restorative action for the positive transformation we want for our kids & community (6)

#PoliceFreeSchools #RestorativeJustice #RestorativePractice #EdEquityOrElse

@cityofurbana needs strong leadership, at every level, that is willing to lean in even when it's uncomfortable & embrace that discomfort to help cultivate a better future for students.

#PoliceFreeSchools #RestorativeJustice #RestorativePractice #EdEquityOrElse