Student Life

Restorative justice

What is Restorative Justice (RJ)?

Restorative justice is based upon an old, commonsense understanding of wrongdoing.

  1. Wrongdoing is a violation of people and of interpersonal relationships.
  2. Such violations create obligations for the offender.
  3. The primary obligation for the offender is to put right the wrongs.

Underlying this understanding is an assumption that we are all interconnected, and therefore harm to any person in the community effects the larger community as well. In partnership with the Tri-County Balanced and Restorative Justice (BARJ) Alliance, Michigan State University is working to integrate restorative principles into the community. To this end, The Department of Student Life will employ restorative principles in its conflict resolution programs in order to:

  1. Foster a sense of connectedness
  2. Provid opportunities to resolve conflicts peacefully, and
  3. Educate and empower all in restorative principles.

What Restorative Justice (RJ) is NOT

  1. RJ is not primarily about forgiveness or reconciliation.
  2. RJ is not mediation
  3. RJ is not primarily designed to reduce recidivism or repeat behaviors.
  4. RJ is not a particular program or blueprint.
  5. RJ is not primarily intended for comparatively minor offenses or first-time offenders.
  6. RJ is not a new or North American development.
  7. RJ is neither a panacea nor necessarily a replacement for the legal or campus judicial system.

RJ Programs and Services

RJ principles will be employed in all of the conflict resolution services offered by the Department of Student Life (DSL). Within the student disciplinary process, the 3 primary tenets (see above) will be explored in all cases. In addition, DSL offers the following programs and services to help members of the community resolve conflict peacefully and effectively.