Restorative Justice Practices: Additional Tools For The Chief Diversity Officer's Toolbox

Attacks against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) measures and initiatives have intensified over the last couple of years. Responding to often misunderstood concepts of DEI can be a time-intensive distraction from the work chief diversity officers (CDOs) are charged with: recommending strategies and measures to develop fair recruitment, retention and promotion policies and practices, creating more inclusive workplaces, and cultivating community. While the CDO's job has never been easy, the impact of ongoing national and international events is straining the ties that bind our communities together to the point of fraying. At this time of great stress and resistance, restorative justice practices have much to offer the CDO: a powerful tool to support professional inclusion efforts and a pathway to greater personal self-care and reflection.