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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Amina J., High School Student Advocate from YA-YA Network
8:00:05
ยท
142 sec
Amina J., a high school student from Brooklyn, testifies on behalf of the YA-YA Network and the Dignity in Schools Coalition, advocating for increased funding for restorative justice programs in schools. She emphasizes the importance of community-building and alternatives to suspensions to create a more supportive educational environment.
- Requests $80 million to introduce restorative justice in 500 schools
- Advocates for $75 million to employ community members instead of school safety agents
- Calls for $16 million to transform dean positions and $12 million in baseline funding for restorative justice coordinators
Amina J.
8:00:05
Good afternoon, chair.
8:00:06
My name is Amina Jallo.
8:00:08
I'm a district thirteen high school student junior from Flatbush, Brooklyn.
8:00:13
I'm here today with the Yaya Network and the Dignity in Schools Coalition to show you the importance of restorative justice and community building in schools.
8:00:23
Before that, I'd like to thank you for taking the time today to hear our testimonies and understanding how vital youth voice is.
8:00:31
As someone who has seen the value in mentally affirmative school environments, this is a huge priority to the school community.
8:00:38
My school currently utilizes aspects of restorative justice such as peer mediation, but imagine if they had the funding to expand these programs and better connect with the community.
8:00:50
Many people find themselves in physical altercations in my school community and around the area, which leads them to month long suspensions that stunt their academic ability to grow and destroy their enthusiasm surrounding the educational environment.
8:01:06
Children thrive off of social interaction and it's vital to make them feel welcomed by their communities rather than imprisoned and shut out due to suspensions that put their social lives on hold.
8:01:19
If these children maybe had reformative outlets in contrast with isolated punishments, they'd be less likely to end up under suspension again.
8:01:28
Community members who can understand their point of view and serve as a low stakes parental figure can heal these bonds.
8:01:36
Additionally, reshaping disciplinary actions towards violent behavior can create children that grow into adults that can manage strong emotions like anger.
8:01:46
That's why we're asking for $80,000,000 to introduce 500 schools to the wonders of restorative justice, $75,000,000 to employ community members instead of school safety agents that create a prison like environment, $16,000,000 to transform dean positions and encourage restorative justice programs, and $12,000,000 baseline funding to support restorative justice and add restorative justice coordinators.
8:02:15
The reallocation of funding to these causes can promote a better school environment and create adults who don't have hostile trauma memories associated with their schooling experiences.
8:02:26
Thank you.