Challenging the Myth of Color Blindness in Restorative Justice Programs
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Ambrose University
Canada
Abstract
Using critical race theory and institutional ethnography as frameworks, this paper investigates the Extra-Judicial Sanctions (EJS) Program, as implemented in Calgary, Alberta, and its lack of ability to achieve transformative restorative justice in the cases of racialized immigrant youth. The failure to recognize the impact of race, ethnicity, and immigrant status in the Youth Criminal Justice Act is considered problematic as this paper challenges the notion of color blindness. It is suggested that a color-conscious approach be used in the EJS Program to incorporate inclusive institutional policies explicitly to foster a sense of belonging among racialized immigrant youth.
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Author Biography
Monetta Bailey is an Associate Professor of Sociology in the Social Science Department at Ambrose University, Calgary, Alberta. Her research interests include the intersection of race, ethnicity and immigrant status with the criminal justice system at an institutional level. Having worked as an evaluator in the human services prior to her academic career, she brings a keen understanding of institutional analysis with respect to diversity. In particular, she applies a Critical Race Theory perspective to her work. She is the co-author of Millennial Mosaic: How pluralism and choice are shaping Canadian youth and the future of Canada.