BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – During the second week of November, West Virginia Wesleyan College’s Center for Restorative Justice hosted screenings of the 2016 documentary film Disturbing the Peace, followed by circle discussions on “Peace in the Middle East.” The goal of these events was to help students process the conflict unfolding in an area of the world often referred to as “the Holy Land.”

The Center for Restorative Justice was created by Drs. Murphy and Scott to host important conversations and to foster restorative community-building practices on campus.

Between the film screenings and the three circle conversations, over 150 students participated in these events. Scott spoke to what she sees as the importance of the event this way: “At a time when Harvard University publicly reprimanded their students for speaking out on an issue of global importance, the Center for Restorative Justice thought it was important to create a different environment for the students on our campus. Instead of being afraid to speak about global events in which our country is inextricably intertwined, we want students to explore the complexities that shape global reality. We also leaned in to the academy’s characterization of itself as a place for the free exchange of ideas in order to facilitate conversations about meaningful issues alongside our students.”

Murphy, too, shared why the Center’s work is important.

“We believe that Restorative Justice—especially the circle process, which is both simple and powerfully effective—is transforming lives, relationships, and conversations on our campus. It’s a privilege and a gift to share in the good work that is happening here.”

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2024 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-2024 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan eighth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students more than 50 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing, and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.