Just Discipline Project (JDP)

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 (JDP) 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. It integrates these approaches into existing school climate priorities and provides specialized personnel and school climate support (Restorative Practice Coordinator), at no cost to the school or district. 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 then. To date, we have had strong partnerships with 20 + schools committed to the fundamentals of the program. Evaluation of the work is ongoing but measured progress has been strong.

School Partners

Manchester Academic Charter School K-5, Wilkins Elementary STEAM Academy K-5, Duquesne K-8, Edgewood Elementary STEAM Academy K-5, Liberty K-5, Logan Elementary K-6, Penn Hills Elementary K-5, Sto-Rox Upper Elementary 4-6, Turtle Creek Elementary STEAM Academy K-5, Urban Academy K-6, Aliquippa Elementary K-6, Clairton Elementary K-5, Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship K-8, Young Scholars of Western PA Charter School K-8, Arlington PreK-8, Brookline PreK-8, Classical 6-8, Greenfield PreK-8, Langley K-8, Milliones 6-12, Schiller 6-8, Sci-Tech 6-12, Sterrett 6-8

JDP Press Coverage

Sto-Rox Talks Hunger on WTAE Listens, Nov 6, 2023 | Article & Video

Western Pa. schools are seeing..., Oct 21, 2023 | Article

Restoring, Building, Growing..., Aug 31, 2022 | Article

Just Discipline Project: Promoting thriving..., Oct 20, 2021 | Article

JDP Restorative Practice Coordinators

Restorative Practice Coordinators (RPCs) are trained professionals who take on the load of implementing, facilitating, and sustaining JDP. Meet our RPC team here.

JDP Executive Team


Jay Huguley Founder and Scientific Lead huguley@pitt.edu	Ming-Te Wang Project Co-Scientific Lead mtwang@uchicago.edu


Michele Leyshon Executive Director mls317@pitt.edu	Monica Henderson Research Coordinator mah386@pitt.edu	Bianca DeBellis Doctoral Fellow & Professional Partnership brd120@pitt.edu

Community Champions

The JDP Community Champions is a body of parents, educators, and invested community members who work on the Just Discipline scientific team through our partnership with The Pittsburgh Study at Children’s Hospital. The JDP Champions work with the Just Discipline programmers to tailor the work to the strengths, needs, and interests of the communities we serve.

Tameka McGee - Woodland Hills School District Teacher and Parent
Kristin Walker - Social Worker and Woodland Hills School District Parent
Dr. Keith Caldwell - Director of Impact and Continuity - Community Engagement Centers and Woodland Hills School District Parent
Sala Udin - Pittsburgh Public School Board President
Dawn Golden - Director of Pupil Personnel Services at Woodland Hills School District
Cheryl Kleiman - Legislative Director for Senator Lindsey M. Williams

Learn More

Reach out for more information: justdiscipline@pitt.edu
Follow us on Twitter @justdiscipline