BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – During the second week of November, West Virginia Wesleyan College’s Center for Restorative Justice hosted screenings of the 2016 documentary film Disturbing the Peace, followed by circle discussions on “Peace in the Middle East.” The goal of these events was to help students process the conflict unfolding in an area of the world often referred to as “the Holy Land.”

The Center for Restorative Justice was created by Drs. Murphy and Scott to host important conversations and to foster restorative community-building practices on campus.

Between the film screenings and the three circle conversations, over 150 students participated in these events. Scott spoke to what she sees as the importance of the event this way: “At a time when Harvard University publicly reprimanded their students for speaking out on an issue of global importance, the Center for Restorative Justice thought it was important to create a different environment for the students on our campus. Instead of being afraid to speak about global events in which our country is inextricably intertwined, we want students to explore the complexities that shape global reality. We also leaned in to the academy’s characterization of itself as a place for the free exchange of ideas in order to facilitate conversations about meaningful issues alongside our students.”

Murphy, too, shared why the Center’s work is important.

“We believe that Restorative Justice—especially the circle process, which is both simple and powerfully effective—is transforming lives, relationships, and conversations on our campus. It’s a privilege and a gift to share in the good work that is happening here.”