Making Restorative Practice Happen in 2024

Macaulay Announces the Creation of a Restorative Practice in Partnership with the New York Peace Institute

Jayla J. Allen to Lead The Macaulay Restorative Practice

Macaulay Honors College is thrilled to announce a new program that will strengthen bonds within our community, build trust, and help the entire campus community learn new skills for supporting each other during times of crisis: The Macaulay Restorative Practice.

Catalyzed by incidents of bias and conflict on American campuses, our students have identified the spread of hate as a leading threat to their academic environment. In addition, a recent Macaulay Climate Survey indicated that both students and staff yearn for more preventative measures, resources, and training to combat bias.

To build on this groundswell, Macaulay welcomes Jayla J. Allen as Restorative Practice Program Coordinator. Jayla brings a wealth of expertise in creating and implementing programs for young adults, and has a deep background in providing academic, social, and emotional support to students. She holds an MA in African American-African Diaspora Studies from Columbia University, earned her BA in Political Science and Legal Studies from Prairie View A&M University’s Honors Program in Texas, and has been a social justice activist and community organizer since she was a teen.

Jayla will oversee the design and launch of the new Macaulay Restorative Practice Program.

“I can’t think of anyone more qualified to bring this new program to life,” said Dean Dara N. Byrne. “Her passion for supporting young adults to lead in challenging times will prepare Macaulay students for optimism in any uncertain future.”

Macaulay has also forged a unique partnership with New York Peace Institute to support the creation of the Restorative Practice Program. The organization is a nationally recognized leader in conflict resolution and prevention, training people to be mediators and coaches. These are perfect roles for our student leaders, and integrating them into the process will help the program to succeed. Two students will serve as Restorative Practice Fellows, contributing to the design of the program; and eight students will serve as Restorative Practice Mediators, facilitating workshops and building community at their home campus.  

Part of the mission of Macaulay Honors College is to empower students to advocate for change that will benefit the academic community and the world beyond. “We believe that establishing a restorative practice at Macaulay is an important step in strengthening belonging, re-building trust, and coming together to solve problems, especially during challenging times,” said Dean Byrne.

The Macaulay Restorative Practice is made possible by generous funding from GS Humane Corp.