Restorative Justice
“Consonant with African and other Indigenous communitarian values, restorative justice (RJ) is profoundly relational and emphasizes bringing together everyone affected by wrongdoing to address needs and responsibilities and to heal the harm to relationships and community. While often mistakenly considered only a reactive response to harm, restorative justice is also a proactive relational strategy to create a culture of connectivity where all members of the community thrive and feel valued.” - Fania E. Davis
(Photo By Dartmouth / Robert Gill)
About
The Office of Equal Opportunity, Accessibility, and Title IX (EOATIX) offers Restorative Justice as an informal resolution option under our policies, such as the Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct Policy and the Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy.
The EOATIX Restorative Justice Informal Resolution option at Dartmouth College provides a structured, voluntary process through which individuals and communities may address harm, acknowledge impact, and identify steps to repair harm and restore trust. The program is grounded in principles of accountability, inclusion, and community well-being.
Restorative Justice is not a substitute for formal investigative or adjudicative processes. Participation in Restorative Justice does not require an admission of policy violation and does not preclude the institution from proceeding with administrative action when appropriate.
Guiding Principles
The Restorative Justice Program at Dartmouth operates in accordance with the following principles:
- Voluntary Participation: All parties must freely choose to participate without pressure or coercion.
- Safety and Support: Physical, emotional, and psychological safety are prioritized throughout the process.
- Accountability: Emphasis is placed on acknowledging impact, taking responsibility for harm, and identifying meaningful steps toward repair.
- Respect and Dignity: All participants are treated with respect and provided the opportunity to be heard.
Benefits of Restorative Justice in EOATIX Matters
Restorative Justice Process Options
The Role of Facilitators
Restorative Justice processes are facilitated by trained, neutral facilitators who:
- Do not serve as investigators or decision-makers in the matter;
- Prepare participants individually prior to any joint process;
- Maintain structure, fairness, and safety throughout the process.
EOATIX Facilitators at Dartmouth
Natasha Doorn
Natasha Doorn is the Director of Investigative Services and leads Restorative Justice work at Dartmouth College. She is a trained mediator through Western New England Law and ADR Atlanta. Natasha also holds a certificate in Restorative Justice from the University of San Diego where she trained with Restorative Justice Coordinator Justine Darling.
Cora DiSolio
Cora DiSolio is the Education and Training Program Manager for Equal Opportunity, Accessibility, and Title IX at Dartmouth College. Restorative justice has been a consistent thread in her education, as she holds a B.A. in Peace and Social Justice Studies, with a concentration in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, from Berea College, and a M.A. in Restorative Justice from Vermont Law and Graduate School.
Her expertise includes restorative justice education in higher education and legal settings through the Peace and Justice Studies Association, The Center for Justice Reform at Vermont Law School, the Vermont Bar Association, and the National Center on Restorative Justice. She prioritizes the Indigenous and sacred practice of restorative justice not only as a means of conflict resolution, but first as a means of connection and harm prevention.
Note: EOATIX facilitators may collaborate with other campus offices and partners on Restorative Justice matters.
Eligibility and Referral
Matters may be referred to the Restorative Justice Program when:
- The behavior has resulted in identifiable harm to an individual or community;
- Participation would not compromise safety, due process, or institutional compliance obligations;
- All involved parties demonstrate readiness and willingness to engage in good-faith dialogue; and
- All involved parties are willing to participate in active accountability.
Referrals may be made by investigators, conduct administrators, campus partners, or by self-referral, subject to review and approval.
The EOATIX office retains discretion to determine whether a matter is appropriate for Restorative Justice.
Outcomes and Agreements
Restorative Justice processes may result in a written agreement outlining steps to repair harm, which may include:
- Acknowledgment of harm
- Apologies or statements of responsibility
- Educational or reflective activities
- Community repair or service
- Commitments to future behavior
Agreements must be realistic, proportional, and mutually agreed upon. Compliance with agreements may be monitored by the institution when appropriate.
Confidentiality and Records
Records of participation in Restorative Justice are maintained separately from investigative files and are handled in accordance with institutional record-keeping practices.
Statements made during Restorative Justice processes will not be used to determine responsibility in formal proceedings, except as required by law or where there is a risk of imminent harm.