At this Indianapolis middle school, student mediators help drive down suspensions
Sixth grader Jocelyn Montiel had her phone stolen. She said her friend, Esteban Gonzalez, was to blame. Gathered around a table in educator Grover Edwards’ classroom, the two students discussed the situation with two of their peers…
In a middle school in Indianapolis, student mediators are helping reduce suspensions at H.L. Harshman Middle School. Sixth-grader Jocelyn Montiel experienced her phone being stolen, and she turned to her friend, Esteban Gonzalez, for answers. Esteban claimed Jocelyn was the one who stole it, leading to a simulated mediation session with two student mediators.
The mediators facilitated a discussion between the two students, allowing them to express their feelings and take responsibility for their actions. This peer mediation program, in place for over a decade, aims to address conflicts before they escalate into physical fights that require adult intervention. Over 100 students applied to be mediators this year, but only a select few were chosen after a rigorous interview process.
The mediators receive three weeks of training before they can mediate conflicts. The program is supported by a $1.2 million grant from Indiana University Health and has shown a significant reduction in suspensions and fights since its inception. The mediators emphasize the importance of trust and confidentiality, ensuring that students feel comfortable addressing their issues in a supportive environment.
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