Building Foundations of Health and Wellbeing in School: A Study of Restorative Justice and Girls of Color

Abstract

Remote learning and social distancing protocols over the past year have weakened students connection to their peers and teachers, diminished school climates, and strained their mental health. All of which, put them at greater risk for poor academic and health outcomes. This particularly acute for girls of color who, as research has shown, are at high risk for disconnection and disengagement from school. As schools continue to reopen and educators reimagine what safe, healthy, and support learning environments look like there is a critical need to increase girls of color access to practices that build school and peer connectedness, promote positive school climates, and center their health and wellbeing. Empowering girls of color and supporting their educational success is not simply an issue of educational equity. It is a matter of health justice. Countless studies have shown the significance of education as a key social determinant of health. It serves as a strong predictor of chronic disease, social and economic instability, incarceration, and even life expectancy. For example, by age 25, individuals with a high school degree can expect to live 11 to 15 years longer than those without one. Despite such evidence, school-based restorative practices have not been public health priorities. This research aims to change this. Based on a two-year study with girls of color in middle and high school schools across the United States, we found associations between their participation in non-disciplinary restorative practices and protective health factors that increased their capacities for engagement in school, academic success, and overall emotional wellbeing. Specifically, data showed that girls of color engagement in proactive restorative practices resulted in positive outcomes in the following categories:

• School connectedness
• Peer relationships
• Connections to family
• Sense of safety and positive school climate
• Social and emotional literacy skills
• Mental health, resilience, and empowerment

Keywords: health equity, marginalized girls, restorative practices, public health, school climate, school connectedness, peer connectedness, protective health factors, qualitative research