Jessica Rule and Javon Phillips are starting new chapters in their education. Rule, 18, is majoring in musical theater at Illinois State University. Phillips, also 18, has moved from Austin to Northern Illinois University to study computer science. Both have left behind their roles at West Garfield’s Legal Prep Charter Academy, where they were key members of the Peace Warriors.
The Peace Warriors program involves students and staff working together to address conflicts through restorative justice. Pastor Gerald Smith, known as Pastor Peace, established the program to teach young people how to manage disputes constructively. Rule and Phillips joined the program for personal growth and to effect change in their school.
Previously, Legal Prep experienced around three fights a week. However, the introduction of the Peace Warriors greatly transformed the school environment. Program members apply and interview for the role, learning important mediation skills. Pastor Smith, with over 30 years of experience, was motivated to start the program after conducting too many funerals for young people.
A Peace Warrior monitors interactions at school, offering mentorship and intervening in conflicts. They conduct peace circles and help students reflect on their actions.
Legal Prep’s principal, Marquan Morrison, praised the Peace Warriors for transforming the school culture, achieving an unprecedented stretch of days without physical conflicts.
The Peace Warriors celebrate milestones like 100 conflict-free days, supported by local organizations such as the Institute for Nonviolence Chicago. Morrison is eager to involve more students and staff in the program and strengthen partnerships with community organizations.
Rule emphasizes the lasting impact of being a Peace Warrior, highlighting the importance of being an upstander. Legal Prep’s founder, Samuel Finkelstein, plans to expand the program to partner with local elementary schools, fostering leadership skills in younger students.
Finkelstein notes that student leadership is crucial in addressing community issues, as engaging young people directly can reduce disruptive trends. Almethia Franklin, a researcher, explains that young people seek community in alternative spaces when disconnected from formal settings.