Restorative Justice Policies Fail to Improve School Discipline

Recent research indicates that initiatives like school meditation rooms and harm-reduction circles do little to reduce student misconduct. Instead, these approaches tend to weaken teachers’ authority and result in more disorderly classrooms.

The study, conducted by the Manhattan Institute, confirms what many critics have argued about the former administration’s emphasis on “restorative justice” under the guise of promoting racial fairness. Despite investing over $100 million into these programs, data shows the number of incidents requiring police intervention rose from approximately 1,200 in early 2016 to over 4,120 in 2025.

Additionally, efforts to substitute suspensions with placements in meditation rooms have not curbed violence. Violent acts persist, and absenteeism increased by 35%, suggesting these strategies are ineffective in maintaining discipline or safety.

• At Origins High School, students subjected a Jewish teacher to Nazi salutes and threats, yet disciplinary actions included only seating them in meditation rooms, with harassment continuing unabated.
• This spring, an eight-year-old in Staten Island threatened classmates and stabbed a staff member with a pencil. Parents criticized the school’s response—a meditation room and phone calls home—as insufficient.
• A Brooklyn-based Center for Court Innovation found no significant benefits of restorative justice compared to traditional discipline.

The Department of Education claims suspensions have declined by nearly half over the past decade, promoting the idea that more students remain engaged in class. However, critics argue that lower suspension rates are simply a result of policy changes, not improved behavior management.

School leadership admits the current approach isn’t effective. The Chancellor acknowledges that reforms are ongoing but insists restorative justice remains a core policy. Yet, evidence suggests it fosters disorder and increases absenteeism, ultimately hindering student learning.

Given the importance of accountability, Mayor Eric Adams, a former police officer, understands that consequences are key to behavior correction. A recent executive order from President Trump prohibits race-based disciplinary decisions, which may help schools revert to traditional discipline methods.

Until policies shift back toward accountability, classroom chaos is likely to persist, and educational outcomes will continue to suffer.