Introduction

The literature on the landscape of US education is not only vast, with topical issues examined by multitudes of scholars, but as a field, US education also has experienced and endured significant change. Recently, that change includes the demographic composition of students, faculty, and staff; a growing cynicism of the value of higher education; and the ongoing cultural confrontations at all levels on the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), among related issues of race, gender, socioeconomic status, and social justice. As Angela Davis has reminded us, “freedom is a constant struggle, but none of us can be free until all of us are free.” For much of the time since its founding in 1635, US education, and particularly higher education, has been intrinsically linked to the notions of democratic practice, political engagement, and individual responsibility. This introduction chapter highlights the thematic areas, central ideas, and main arguments covered by the rest of the chapters in the book. It underscores how the tenets of restorative practice can help to make our educational institutions more accessible and equitable.