Just Discipline Project

Evidence has shown that exclusionary discipline practices in schools like suspensions have negative effects on students and schools alike. In particular, these practices contribute to the “school-to-prison pipeline,” a process whereby school-based infractions push youth to engagement with the criminal justice system. In response, the Just Discipline Project is a research-to-practice initiative designed to advance achievement for all students by implementing and evaluating school‐based relational climate and restorative practice programs.

The project supports teachers, students, and staff in efforts to enhance relational approaches that ultimately reduce the need for exclusionary discipline in schools. We expect that decreases in school suspensions and increases in strong relationships will in tandem yield safer schools, improved academic outcomes, and reduced contact with criminal justice systems for youth.

Restorative Justice and culture-building programming started at Woodland Hills Intermediate School in the spring of 2017 and has continued since that time. The Just Discipline Project currently serves over 2,500 students in five local schools. Evaluation of the work is ongoing.

People


Jay Huguley Project Principle Investigator huguley@pitt.edu	Ming-Te Wang Project Co-Principle Investigator mtwang@pitt.edu


Shawn Thomas Program Director SET64@pitt.edu	Michele Leyshon Snyder Director of Operations mls317@pitt.edu	Rachelle Haynik Research Coordinator RHH14@pitt.edu

Jamaal Gosa Restorative Practice Coordinator jamaalgosa@pitt.edu	Spencer Scott Restorative Practice Coordinator SPS66@pitt.edu	Molly Means Restorative Practice Coordinator mom83@pitt.edu
Meet our Restorative Practice Coordinators Click here!