{
  "id": 9166625,
  "title": "At this Indianapolis middle school, student mediators help drive down suspensions",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/at-this-indianapolis-middle-school-student-mediators-help-drive-down",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-22T17:00:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Chalkbeat",
    "slug": "chalkbeat",
    "url": "https://www.chalkbeat.org/indiana/2026/09/22/indianapolis-middle-school-uses-peer-mediation-to-cut-student-suspensions/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "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…",
  "key_points": [
    "Student mediators at H.L. Harshman Middle School reduce suspensions.",
    "Jocelyn Montiel and Esteban Gonzalez participate in simulated mediation.",
    "Peer mediation program supported by $1.2M grant since 2012."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}