Schools Must Make Classrooms Sane Again — and Ditch ‘Restorative Justice’
Shift Schools from Therapy Back to Education
Table of Content
What Parents Need to Know About Restorative Justice w/ Cari Bartholomew
Not Teaching Resilience or Overcoming Challenges: Just Making Accommodations
Schools Must Make Classrooms Sane Again — and Ditch ‘Restorative Justice’1
July 27, 2025 | Manhattan Institute
Restorative Justice/Practices is something I have long railed against. It is not a discipline policy, it is a “trauma-informed” philosophical approach to discipline, which if not followed perfectly to a T by all parties involved, is destined to fail.
Look at how this Delaware Rag frames this article. This is what CRT looks like!
Using an immutable characteristic like race to push a narrative. Using phrases like "over-suspended” a certain demographic of students leaving out the percentage that demographic may make up of the student population, and equally important, prior disciplinary action taken on a given student. Many times it is the same small handful of students repeatedly being disruptive, usually lacking discipline in the home.
What those children need is a school with a specific environment of support for dealing with students who have behavior issues. Those schools provide discipline, stability, and many times mentors who will change a child's life trajectory. Moreover, that underlying anger and aggression can often be harnessed as a powerful catalyst for entrepreneurship, fostering a strong work ethic and a relentless "go get 'em" attitude that drives success in life.
The value that mentorship can have on one’s life is insurmountable. I attempt to express that profound power through video & song.
One Delaware school board had the courage to speak out against the anarchy in the hallways of Milford School District. While it only takes one person to speak up for the students, it is the second to speak up which commences change. I commend Dr. Adam Brownstein and Matthew Bucher for having the tenacity to speak up.
Milford board scraps restorative practices from code2
August 4, 2023 | Delaware Online
“The whole issue of restorative practices, I am at odds with based on my research. Several studies done in different school districts and states, there’s a major one done in Maine by the Department Health and Human Services and another one done in Pittsburgh Public Schools by the Division of Child and Educational Issues. And what they found was, by and large, restorative practices are a mixed bag. It takes a tremendous amount of student buy in as well as by faculty, by administrative to make them work,”
–Matthew Bucher; Milford Board Member
Restorative Justice is Pervasive, The Tentacles Reach Deep
A 2024 survey of educators found that 48% of schools or districts incorporate it, focusing on reconciliation over punishment.3
Parents Defending Education compiled a list of schools4 from across the Nation using Restorative Practices.
Restorative Justice Frequently Asked Questions5
Here is an example from a euphemistic “Restorative Justice” brochure.
“Little to no consequences for bad behavior”
Why is violence and chaos at an all-time high in our government K-12 schools? “Courage is a Habit” explains.
See the two infographics below, then view their 𝕏 Article for a deeper explanation.
Zero-tolerance Bullying
Teachers are specifically told to NOT use the word ‘BULLY' in communications and write-ups to describe the… well, bully. ¯\_🤡_/¯
Teachers are now getting creative in their verbiage to describe bullies using phrasing such as “uses her big size and loud voice to intimidate the other student constantly.”
Schools have adopted a policy of “zero-tolerance bullying”
Zero-tolerance bullying policies in schools, though meant to foster safety, often backfire by enforcing rigid punishments without context, leading to unfair outcomes like suspending kids for minor scuffles or self-defense, which disproportionately harms boys, low-income students, and those with behavioral challenges, pushing them toward dropout, anxiety, or even the proverbial “school-to-prison pipeline” instead of offering mentorship for growth. This approach erodes trust, discourages reporting real issues, and stifles kids’ emotional development by labeling normal rough play as aggression, while creating a fear-driven environment that fails to build resilience or harness youthful energy productively. Broader dangers include suppressing free expression, where diverse viewpoints get chilled in the name of inclusivity, and administrative shortcuts that breed inconsistency and power imbalances. Particularly troubling is how the term “bullying” has been weaponized through broadening definitions to silence dissent. Stretching definitions of genuine harm to include conservative opinions on topics like gender or family, labeling them as “hate speech” or microaggressions, which enforces ideological conformity, protects actual aggressors via selective leniency, and turns schools into divisive battlegrounds rather than supportive communities for all kids.
Zero-tolerance Bullying stands in stark contrast to the minimal discipline practice of restorative justice, which emphasize “dialogue, accountability, and repairing harm over exclusionary measures like suspensions, fostering personal responsibility and community healing while reducing recidivism and improving school climates without the inequities or fear-driven compliance.”
What Parents Need to Know About Restorative Justice
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We Americans are a fearless coalition of selfless patriots, forged in unbreakable unity to shield the innocent from ideological Marxist-☭-driven harm and champion the rising generation. Bound by the immortal 1776 flame of Righteous Indignation, we thunder as one indomitable voice: E Pluribus Unum! ‐ out of many, one unstoppable force for liberty’s dawn!
✰✰✰🇺🇸✰✰✰
Cari Bartholomew, a friend and steadfast stalwart of integrity & tenacity, had an incredibly informative 1 hour livestream on Restorative Justice titled Chaos in the Classroom the How and Why of Restorative Justice
I condensed this livestream into a powerful 7 minute video.
We 🔥 reject the poison of Critical Race Theory!
We 🔥 reject the surrender of Restorative Justice!
We 🔥 embrace every student’s God-given power to overcome, persevere, and triumph!
The Deadly Fraud of Restorative Justice in Schools
I strongly encourage you to listen to the
podcast titled The Deadly Fraud of Restorative Justice in Schools in its entirety.The above video is from the first day of school this year at William Penn High School in New Castle County, Delaware.
The below video is from a North Carolina high school where a student assaulted his teacher while the other students in the class just filmed and laughed.
Jen McWilliams, co-founder of Courage is a Habit6 explains a bit further.
FBI Special Report: Crime in Schools 2020-2024
FBI reveals 1.3M crimes at public schools. A nightmare of violence awaits our kids | Fox Opinion
The FBI released a new report August 12 on crime in schools and it’s a wake-up call that no parent can afford to ignore. Between 2020 and 2024, law enforcement agencies reported nearly 1.3 million criminal incidents occurring on school property across the United States. This staggering figure includes about 540,000 assaults and 45,000 sex offenses – crimes that directly victimize children in places that are supposed to be safe havens for learning.
The failures of public schools go beyond violence. The latest data from 2024 shows that not a single child was proficient in math in 80 Illinois public schools. Zero. These failures are all symptoms of a broken system. Kids are trapped in these violent institutions with no escape hatch, especially in states where teachers unions run the show and block school choice at every turn. Unions prioritize adult jobs over child safety and success, lobbying against reforms that would give families options.
The full FBI Special Report can be found on the FBI Crime Data Explorer “Special Reports" page.7
Right in Our Own Backyard
From speaking with Delaware teachers, I have been told in after school teacher meetings, teachers are flabbergasted that the kids now know they can do anything they want and teacher's do not have consequences to give them. Students literally curse teachers out, walk in & out of class, throw things, fight, and generally wreak havoc at school with very limited consequences. For a fight, they may get a few days out for suspension. Most of the other things get ignored.
In this short clip, Christina School District is talking about 28 STUDENTS ARRESTED! They are going back & forth about SOLUTIONS without ever addressing the PROBLEM - RESTORATIVE JUSTICE!
I believe in firm, traditional discipline—consequences that directly fit the infraction. These students would not have needed arrest if a clear, consistent disciplinary model were still in place. Swift, proportionate consequences would likely have deterred escalation, and if behavior persisted, a structured intervention plan would have been implemented; benefiting the student through accountability and growth, protecting staff authority, and ensuring a safer, more focused environment for all students.
Two local teachers tell the Dan Gaffney Show what they see inside the Delaware government school system.
The Dan Gaffney Show | Delaware 105.9FM
Elementary School Student Locked in an Electrical Closet
A Delaware mother reported on social media that her 1st grade child was locked in an electrical closet at Carrie Downie Elementary School by the “Emotional Support Counselor".
This should never happen! This “Emotional Support Counselor Animal” locked A CHILD in an ELECTRICAL CLOSET!! That’s a blatant violation of the trust bestowed, and all involved must be prosecuted to fullest extent of the law where applicable.
The elementary school psychologist8 just so happens to be self-proclaimed Marxist ☭ Leninst pro-Hamas former Eisenberg Elementary School Psychologist exposed by Safe Campus Delaware in May.
Jon Cooper, Ed.D., the Colonial School District’s Director of Health & Wellness, presented at the University of Delaware’s ‘Innovative Approaches to Student Mental Health’ event9 in his role as Director of the Division of Behavioral Health. He discussed new initiatives, including Project DelAWARE; a federally funded national clinical psychology training project that integrates behavioral and mental health supports into the classroom.
Is locking a child in an electrical closet one of those “Innovative Approaches to Student Mental Health?
🧩 What a “Reset Room”?10
A Reset Room is often used as a practical tool within a restorative justice framework.
A Reset Room (sometimes known as a “Calm Room,” “Reflection Room,” or “Regulation Space”) is a designated space in schools meant to help students de-escalate, self-regulate, and reflect on behavior before returning to class.
Key characteristics:
Calm environment
Often includes soft lighting, comfortable seating, sensory tools, or calming visuals. (Not electrical boxes, sharp corners, and masonry walls)
Facilitated reflection
Students typically complete a form (like the one in your image) or talk through what happened, what they were feeling, and how to re-enter class successfully.
Short duration (20+ minutes is not a “short duration")
It is not an isolation or detention space — the goal is emotional regulation, not punishment.
Staff support (this one's a doozey!)
Usually supervised by a counselor, paraprofessional, or trained “Reset Room Companion.”
Akoben - The “War Horn" of Discipline Community-Focused Conversations
Below are pages from the above linked struggle guide for mindset adjustment11
Smyrna Educators Association President Fran Strosser detailed her thoughts on Akoben’s Restorative Practice Training…
…I was referred to as a “resistor” as were any employees that had questions/concerns about Restorative Practices.
A 2021 Letter to the School Board from Smyrna Educators Union President Fran Strosser:
Restorative Practices were now beginning in SSD. There were a great deal of questions and concerns over the program as only a few select chosen people called “Champions” really knew what it was. Each time I mentioned concerns that were brought to me by members regarding Restorative Practice, he reacted very negatively. He then made me go around and observe some of the “Champions'' at that time. I was told that after I observed them that I would then need to come back debrief and share my observations with him and my new administrators, David Morrison and Mike Reed. I did six observations of classes at different schools. 5 of which were positive, 1 was not as positive, even though the teacher was doing an exceptional job. It was just a very unique class situation.
I was also required to speak with Chella Drews regarding Restorative Practices. She was a representative of Restorative Practices at that time. In an email to her I was referred to as a “resistor” as were any employees that had questions/concerns about Restorative Practices.12 I found this highly unprofessional that administration would refer to their employees in this manner.
I had a great meeting with Chella, and expressed the concerns/questions that I had and received from others. She reassured me that our concerns were genuine. Most of which revolved around accepting responsibility of actions and the consequences those actions may have. Chella did not return to Smyrna the following year.”
“The Cipher" is “a structured space where Black and Brown boys can share their experiences, thoughts, and feelings freely, often through creative mediums like rap, poetry, or storytelling.”
Malik wrote a whole post on how offensive this Maryland political mailer is,13 but in all honesty, this Danielle Hornberger is on-point! This critical theory “white oppressor" narrative is complete bullshit intended to divide! This language clearly does not follow the empty virtues of “belonging" and “inclusion”. In fact, it demoralizes those “black boys” on their journey to be black men. Take notice of how abdul-malik no frills-Sharpton mohamad capitalized the letter B in “Black", and lowercased the letter W in “white". Be wary of this telltale signs of a Critical Marxist viewpoint!
These amazing books by
defies the oppressor narrative and inspires those “black boys" to overcome obstacles by way of perseverance, tenacity, self-worth, and their drive to be great, with emphasis on the role of the family & positive male role models.
Dr Mohamad uses the Akoben logo, which is known as the “African War Horn" The symbol's literal meaning is "Call to War".
Schools do not need war. Schools should be a safe, peaceful settings, teaching kids character, integrity and how to read and do math.
The school's role is to teach academics, and may reinforce values by way of “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” It is the parents job to teach their children core values, such as respecting others, responsibility, honesty, gratitude and compassion.
I believe Abdul-Malik Muhammad to be a race-baiting grifter using Marxist tactics preying on ignorance and empathy of others for his own personal monetary gain.
An self-interest opinion piece claims that “Delaware’s schools must prioritize restorative practices for discipline” The article is written by Abdul-Malik Muhammad, a Delaware resident & founder of a divisive Critical Race Theory / Restorative Justice framework titled Akoben. Malik Muhammad has received massive amounts of tax payer money to push his program into government schools. The below excerpt is the whole basis for #RestorativeJustice, which is built on a foundation of deceit. Keep in mind what they are NOT telling you is that PRIOR INCIDENTS are considered when determining punishment. We must restore traditional discipline, where students are responsible for their actions!
『”Research has and continues to show that implicit biases against Black and brown students cause them to experience harsher discipline than their white peers for similar behaviors. Black students — especially boys — are two to three times more likely to receive a suspension.”』
“It's hard to be authentic. There's a price for it"
This is just one of the many training videos both “resistors" and “champions" are required to watch.
Teacher-Student Restorative Justice Circle video from page 22 of the Akoben Restorative Justice Struggle Guide where they pass around a… hairy SpongeBob on a stick?
Not Teaching Resilience or Overcoming Challenges: Just Making Accommodations
How Red Tape and Politics Drove One Teacher Out of the Classroom14
August 27, 2025 | iWFeatures
“I was told to decrease the number of detentions that were issued for a certain race that showed up late, because culturally it’s acceptable for them, and that just boggled my brain,” Mangiapane said. “So I should not teach them what professionalism is––showing up on time?”
This video below is of Milford, Indian River & Cape Henlopen retired administrator Dr. Beth Conaway speaking on Restorative Practices at an Education Freedom event in Wilmington.
Allow me to share a song I created about Delaware's failing academic proficiency. A song of sheer grit & emotion. A song to convince the people that we can do better. That we must do better.
Delaware’s Cry for Better Days
Questions you are likely to hear if you oppose or question restorative justice:
Why do you support suspending kids and causing them to miss class?
A: Disruptive or unsafe behaviors cannot be allowed to persist in the learning environment. There is a point where the only option to stop the disruptive behavior(s) is to remove the individual student from the classroom and move them to an alternate setting. Sometimes that setting can still be in the school building; other times, the only option is to send them home. Unfortunately, there is a small number of students who have a very difficult time functioning in the average classroom environment and in order for other students to continue their learning, they must be removed.
Some schools report that restorative justice reduced their suspensions by 50%. Is that not progress?
A: Many schools stopped suspending students despite no actual changes in behavior and that practice skews the data and fails to provide an honest representation of student behavior and discipline at each school.
Restorative justice addresses racial disparities within student discipline. Why would you want students of color to face more punishments than white kids?
A: It is wrong to administer discipline differently based on skin color and there is no reliable data to show that restorative justice actually improves the disruptive and even violent behavior that previously showed up in school discipline metrics. No one can state with certainty that restorative justice addresses racial disparities in discipline. Students should be given disciplinary consequences based on their choices and behaviors and it should have nothing to do with their racial or ethnic background.
Restorative justice aims to break the student-to-prison pipeline. Don’t you think it’s important to keep students out of jail?
A: Of course we think it’s important to keep students out of jail but failing to address student behavior immediately and letting the behavior escalate, is not an effective way to achieve that goal. On the contrary, it can backfire and lead to an escalation of behavior that becomes criminal in nature. Rigorous research has shown restorative justice to be far less effective than its proponents had hoped and promised.
If restorative justice is not the solution then what is?
A: There is not a one size fits all solution for every school district. Restorative justice can be part of the solution for minor non-violent offenses, but we must consider the other children in the classroom, not just the offender when considering discipline options. We also must consider the needs and safety of teachers and staff. All students deserve to learn and be safe in school. No teacher should feel that their physical safety is at risk when they go to work. Restorative justice as a discipline strategy for violent behaviors does not improve student outcomes and does lead to a much more chaotic, and at times dangerous, school environment.
Additional information on Restorative Practices:
Jen McWilliams (@Jenn_McW on 𝕏)
In 2019, Jennifer was working as a “Reading Intervention Instructor” when she became very concerned about the education transformation unfolding at her school and across our nation. As she began to research what was causing the shift in focus from academics to ideology, she learned about the driving force behind the change: Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
In September 2019, she started to inform parents and citizens about the concerning changes in the education system. In February 2020, Jennifer was fired for exposing the SEL program at her school.
🔥 Now Jennifer travels across America consulting organizations, law firms, parental groups, and elected officials on how to fight the radicalization plaguing public and private K-12.
"The American School Counselor Association dictates 'mental health' programs in government K-12 schools for all 50 states. Most parents are unaware that school counselors are ushering in radical political and sexual indoctrination of their children," said Alvin Lui, President of Courage Is A Habit. "This is a wake-up call: ASCA's framework infuses Marxism, DEI, and anti-American rhetoric into education while keeping secrets from parents.”
Download the report, “Violation: American School Counselor Association“.
This is part of an AI generated response to the question “What is a ‘reset room’ and how does it correlate to ‘restorative justice’?”
During the Mao era, struggle sessions emphasized public self-criticism, peer pressure, and ideological conformity to align individuals’ thinking with the ideals of collective progress. Programs like Akoben and other restorative justice initiatives bear striking similarities. These circles typically gather participants in a group setting to examine harms, accountability, and personal biases, frequently emphasizing equity and social justice topics in ways that resemble compulsory mindset adjustments rather than open, voluntary exchanges. Individuals who fail to conform are often shamed, as demonstrated in the letter to the School Board from Smyrna Educators Union President Fran Strosser.
That person who referred to employees as ‘resisters' was former Smyrna Superintendent Patrik Williams. His vile social media misconduct while holding that position led to a 2021 petition calling for his removal, followed by his resignation.
https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/january-23-2020-petition-for-safe