The Metropolitan State University of Denver Restorative Justice Coalition seeks to educate Roadrunners about restorative justice and to implement restorative practices to build community and address conflict.
Restorative justice is a philosophy and practice that emphasizes proactive community-building and repairing the harm caused by wrongdoing or conflict.
Since last fall, the coalition has covered topics such as:
- The notions of accountability and justice from a restorative perspective
- Indigenous origins of the restorative-justice philosophy
- Unlearning a punitive mindset when there is conflict
- Reviewing and recommending changes in the Student Code of Conduct
- How to make the Land Acknowledgment actionable
This year, the group will focus on ways to implement restorative justice at MSU Denver.
“I often leave (coalition) meetings wanting to look deeper into my own relationships with others, which can be incredibly enlightening,” said Elizabeth Ribble, Ph.D., professor of Statistics, chair of Mathematics and Statistics. “I appreciate getting to know and learn about the campus experiences of a diverse group of students, faculty and staff … and contributing to the goal of implementing RJ at MSU Denver to improve the educational experience on our campus.”
How to make a difference
Joining the coalition is a great way to be more involved in the MSU Denver community, build a portfolio or résumé and engage in deliberative dialogue to create change.
- The twice-monthly meetings include shared learning and action-oriented dialogue about restorative justice and where it can be used at MSU Denver.
- Members are encouraged to share their lived experiences, wisdom and perspectives, and discuss how systems of accountability impact community connectedness.
- Meetings are facilitated using restorative-justice principles, such as practicing accountability, norms and circle practices.
- New members must complete a two-hour orientation.
To begin, please complete the Expression of Interest Survey.
“There is nowhere else on campus where a student, a dean and the chair of a department can openly and comfortably discuss the changes we would all like to see,” said Cae Draper, fourth-year student in Criminal Justice/Criminology. “I leave each meeting having seen our campus from a new perspective and feeling more connected to our community.”
Questions?
Visit the coalition’s website to learn more or contact Elise Krumholz, assistant director of Restorative Justice and Student Conflict Resolution.