Oppression and restorative practice, are we hiding the ball?

“Hiding the ball” is the way restorative approaches are introduced in schools, according to Anita Wadhwa, contributor to the book Colorizing Restorative Justice: Voicing our Realities. In her chapter “‘What do you want, reparations? Racial microaggressions and restorative justice” , she describes oppression as “behaviours, practices, laws, beliefs, systems that privilege some groups and demean and subjugate others physically, mentally, materially or otherwise.” Introducing restorative practices in schools is often promoted as a way to reduce suspensions (which it does) and improve school climate (which it also does). Wadhwa challenges readers to generate dialogue about the structures that support racism and white privilege.

Restorative practice suggestions:

1. Be open to correction in conversations about oppression.
2. Receive correction as a gift.
3. Listen closely to the stories you hear in a circle.
4. Restore yourself as a practitioner through regular reflection on your practice.

Colorizing Restorative Justice: Voicing our Realities

Visit CircleForum for more information about the HOWTO of entering into challenging dialogues.

Download the free practical tools and restorative resources for teachers on restorative.ca

Order Steve’s book The Restorative Principal Leading in Education with Restorative Practices

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