Oakland high schools utilize restorative justice ideas in an effort to address Oakland’s high rates of violence. Eric Butler, whose sister was killed by her Boyfriend, is excerpted below:
Mr. Butler, who grew up in a vast segregated housing project in New Orleans, knows the urge for retribution: Two years ago, his sister was murdered by her boyfriend. “I wanted my quart of blood,” he told students disturbed by Kiante Campbell’s death.
Then the boyfriend’s mother showed up, seeking forgiveness. “This
brave little woman knocked on the door in her robe and flip-flops,” he told his classroom. “The want for revenge in my stomach lifted.”