“It’s about bringing people together in a safe, confidential space so they can have the difficult conversations that will help them begin to move forward.”
In an effort to strengthen a culture of respect, the University is launching an initiative focused on restorative practices, a method of conflict resolution that can be an effective way to rebuild trust when conflict arises.
Beth Olivares, dean for diversity, has taken a leadership role in this initiative, working with other administrators and faculty. Olivares and a steering committee, including faculty from the Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, the School of Arts and Sciences, the , and the , have engaged restorative practices experts Toni McMurphy and Duke Fisher.
According to McMurphy and Fisher, restorative practices employ informal and formal strategies and processes to encourage authentic communication and support collaborative conflict resolution. It’s about bringing people together in a safe, confidential space so they can have the difficult conversations that will help them begin to move forward. Most of all it’s about respect, trust, and holding people accountable in ways that restore community and help ensure safe environments to study, work, and live.
How Restorative Practices Work
What restorative practices are NOT:
× Leniency
× Skirting responsibility
× Avoiding difficult conversations
× Glossing over
× A guaranteed apology
× Pretending everything is OK
× Forced closure
What restorative practices actually involve:
✓ Honest authentic communication
✓ Identifying and repairing harm
✓ Accepting responsibility and being accountable
✓ Rebuilding trust and community
✓ Collaborative problem-solving
✓ Working with those who CHOOSE to participate
✓ Collateral healing
✓ Guiding principles
(Source: Skidmore College Project on Restorative Justice)
ÂÒÂ×Ç¿¼é Quadcast
ÂÒÂ×Ç¿¼é implements restorative practices
In this episode of the Quadcast podcast, Beth Olivares, Toni McMurphy, Duke Fisher, and Kristin Doughty talk more about restorative practices and what they hope to accomplish with the ongoing initiative.
Questions?
For more information, please email Beth Olivares.