A University of New Mexico educator is challenging the way schools address conflict by focusing on restorative methods rather than traditional punishment. With national recognition shining on this approach, it offers a glimpse of how accountability and empathy might reshape educational environments.

A recent commentary critiques what the writer calls “woke sentiments” toward restorative justice in the United States, claiming they contribute to a rise in criminality. The piece challenges how Democratic policies handle crime, sparking a broader debate about accountability.

Mary Moriarty’s decisions spark questions about how restorative justice might work alongside accountability. As she looks toward her next term in 2026, this commentary explores the role human nature plays in shaping justice.