Restorative Justice is a program to resolve conflict that’s growing in popularity in Southern California schools. Rather than fight it out, students talk it out.

We sat down with four girls from Blair Middle School in Pasadena named Karen Martinez, Kayela Drummond, Emily Lucas, and Leilany Alquicira to discuss how the restorative justice program allowed them to mend their friendship.

It was on the verge of being torn apart by rumors started by classmates. They started by bringing it to the attention of their assistant principle, who then put the girls in touch with Randel Johnson, who runs the Restorative Justice Program in the Pasadena Unified School District. 

Johnson explains how sitting in a talking circle to have a deep discussion about their feelings and what is bothering them can repair and improve relationships.

Send us your thoughts at InFocusSoCal@charter.com.