At the Emerson Lily Free School, there is no punishment. Instead, we use pure conflict resolution.  Punishment does not resolve conflicts, rather it is a form of conflict that promotes fear, guilt and more conflict.  Conflict resolution promotes empathy, understanding and effective communication. Creating empathy and understanding can even prevent conflicts from arising.  We explore conflict resolution techniques to uncover which processes foster resolutions for each individual. 
 
When a conflict arises, the people involved work out their differences.  If they are having difficulties, they are encouraged to seek mediation or the support of the school meeting. If a conflict affects the school in general, anyone can bring it up for resolution at the school meeting.
 
Conflict resolution tries to bridge gaps, to make connections and to heal hurt.  Empathetic communication skills and conflict resolution skills are rare.  If a student develops these skills, they will apply them throughout their life in their continued education, at home, at work, in friendships and in all relationships. 
 
The Emerson Lily Free School will provide trainings in mediation, empathetic communication and conflict resolution, not only to staff and students, but also to members of our local community.