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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Melolo F., Youth Leader from Circle Keepers
7:25:35
ยท
128 sec
Melolo F., a junior at Forest Hills High School and youth leader with Circle Keepers and the Dignity in Schools Campaign, advocates for $80 million funding for restorative justice coordinators in 500 schools and $5 million for the mental health continuum. She emphasizes the importance of restorative justice in creating safer and more engaging school environments.
- Shares personal experience with restorative justice programs and their effectiveness in reducing fighting, bullying, and suspensions
- Contrasts restorative approaches with punitive methods used in her school, which she argues don't address root problems
- Stresses the impact of hostile school environments on students' mental health and academic performance
Melolo F.
7:25:35
Good afternoon and thank you for having me.
7:25:37
My name is Melola Fisola and I'm currently a junior at Forest Hills High School.
7:25:42
I'm a youth leader with the Circle Keepers and the Dignity in Schools Campaign, which aim to bring restorative justice into schools and communities and help dismantle the school to prison pipeline.
7:25:52
I'm here to advocate for the city to fully fund $80,000,000 for the continuation of RJ coordinators in 500 schools, as well as 5,000,000 for the mental health continuum.
7:26:02
These funds will not only keep students safe and protected in their schools, but also provide them with the mental health services and education they deserve.
7:26:10
During my time in this program, it has educated me on the importance and effectiveness restorative justice has done to our youth.
7:26:17
For example, last Saturday, I got the opportunity to co facilitate a discussion at Columbia University at about restorative justice to a group of adults.
7:26:26
Restorative justice used the elimination of punitive methods and fights to create and build a community derived off the off of trust and inclusion.
7:26:35
These approaches have been proven to decrease fighting and bullying in schools, improve students behaviors, and reduce the rate at which students get suspended and expelled.
7:26:45
My school on the other hand consistently uses punitive approaches such as suspensions and detentions as their way to discipline students.
7:26:53
As you can imagine, this doesn't solve the root of the problem and keeps kids in the cycle of fighting, being disruptive in class, and simply being pushed out of school in general.
7:27:02
In relation to this, it can cause many students to see a downward spike in their mental health leaving them left with anxiety and depression.
7:27:10
No student will feel happy and safe knowing they go to a hostile school and the administration does not solve the root of the issue.
7:27:19
I know these funds will go towards making school a safer and more engaging environment for students to fully express themselves and live up to their capabilities.
7:27:28
We are demanding that the city should fund $800,000,000 in RJ coordinators as well as 5,000,000 in the mental health continuum.
7:27:36
With this shift, Us Students will stop living in fear and as criminals but for the talented and creative people we should be nurtured for.
7:27:43
Thank you.
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Testimony by Yvel N., Student from Young Women Leadership School of the Bronx, on Restorative Justice Funding
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Testimony by Nora A., Youth Leader from Circle Keepers and Dignity in Schools Campaign New York, on Restorative Justice and Mental Health Services in Schools