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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Mamuna D., Youth Advocate from YA-YA Network
8:05:02
ยท
85 sec
Mamuna D., a junior at a NYC public high school, testifies on behalf of the YA-YA Network to advocate for restorative justice in schools. She shares her personal experiences with suspensions and inappropriate handling of conflicts by teachers, highlighting the disproportionate impact on black and brown students.
- Calls for $16 million to provide proper tier one, two, and three restorative justice training
- Emphasizes how teachers' reactions to conflicts often reflect implicit biases affecting the future of black and brown students
- Argues that restorative justice practices create a safer school atmosphere and foster community acceptance
Mamuna Dumbia
8:05:02
Hello.
8:05:03
My name is Mamona Dumbia and I'm a junior at a NYC public high school.
8:05:08
Today, I come from the Yaya Network to advocate for restorative justice.
8:05:12
Throughout my elementary school years, I've been suspended seven times for constant fighting.
8:05:18
One altercation occurred when a student had gotten into my bag and ripped my books and threw my lunch away.
8:05:25
It got heated to the point where we were physically fighting and she bashed my head onto the bookshelf.
8:05:31
As I bled, my teacher threw me up from the ground called me a savage n word.
8:05:36
I was only six years old.
8:05:38
I got suspended and teachers continued to handle conflicts inappropriately, often picking on black and brown students.
8:05:46
Entering middle and high school, I couldn't help but realize the large scale impact of the influence of teachers' actions on students' self esteem.
8:05:55
Today, I'm demanding $16,000,000 to provide proper tier one, two and three RJ training.
8:06:02
Many teachers reactions to conflict reflect implicit biases that affects the future of black and brown students.
8:06:09
Restorative justice training and practices between students and teachers makes our school safer by creating an atmosphere of safety and community acceptance.
8:06:20
Students are our next leaders and to grow their beautiful garden, all plants must be nurtured.
8:06:26
Thank you.