Safe Spaces and Avid Minds: Restorative Circles and Women in Higher Education

This qualitative case study examined how community-building restorative circles impacted the classroom environment in a higher-education setting. Through one-on-one interviews and surveys with faculty and students, I measured participants' perceptions on - and experiences within - the restorative circles. Moreover, I applied a critical feminist framework to this study by paying special attention to the unique experiences of the participants who identified as a woman, and by using a critical feminist lens to inform my analysis. The findings indicated that the restorative circles positively influenced the classroom environment, and promoted equitable education for women by inspiring at least one woman's confidence to voice her thoughts and opinions in class.