For New Orleans, restorative justice means reconciliation

Rethinkers was established a little while after Hurricane Katrina of 2005 to provide a way for young people returning home from time at other schools to talk about their experiences and how they could turn what they learned into action in New Orleans public schools. It currently operates in seven middle schools and a high school, conducting 5-week summer programs and student clubs to discuss topics such as school discipline, violence in the community, explorations of power and privilege, school food, school uniforms, and teacher–student and other interpersonal relationships.

“When we met with the Rethinkers,” Gunther recalls, “they educated us about the importance of restorative approaches. We see a great deal of promise in restorative justice as a way to not only promote positive and safe school climates but also engage youth as partners in violence prevention.”