Circle Up: Film Screening and Discussion

Please join us as we launch this year’s Transformative Justice Series of events organized in partnership with the Prison Studies Project and the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Office of Student Affairs. Through interdisciplinary conversations across Harvard University and beyond, we explore justice that transforms—our selves, our relationships, and our communities.

Our first event is a screening of the documentary film Circle Up, the story of a grieving mother, the men who murdered her son, and the unexpected relationships they create to prevent more violence. Circle Up is a call to action for reframing approaches to crime and punishment through the lens of restorative justice, forgiveness, and accountability. The screening is a fitting follow up to last year’s screening of Tribal Justice, which chronicled two Native American justices applying the practice in their courts.

Following the screening, audience members will have an opportunity to apply some of the principles of restorative justice through circle discussions about the film facilitated by HGSE Equity and Inclusion Fellows.

In attendance will be filmmaker Julie Mallozzi and restorative justice practitioner—and subject of the film—Janet Connors.

Video Clips from the Screening & Circle:

Documentary subject Janet Connors closed our post-film discussion circle with a beautiful song.