RESTORATIVE JUSTICE AND RESPONSIVE REGULATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION: The Complex Web of Campus Sexual Assault Policy in the United States and a Restorative Alternative

Abstract

The incident at Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Dentistry involved a private Facebook group established by male class members containing sexist and hurtful comments about female classmates and others. At first blush the incident might appear one of interpersonal harm ripe for a restorative justice process. However, several of the female students involved insisted the nature of the situation was more complex. The behaviours in question were reflective of, and contributed to, a deeply structured culture of discrimination and oppression within the Faculty and the profession. A responsive approach was required, in their view, to secure lasting change in the climate and culture within the educational and profession spheres. The resulting process moved parties beyond their adversarial relations to shared understanding necessary for transformation of climate and culture.