How a Course on Restorative Justice Shaped Two Students’ Paths at Duke

Photo of Rhodes Scholars Will Lieber and Jenna Smith sitting together on the steps in front of Duke Chapel.

The following is a summary of a story on the Kenan Institute for Ethics website.

Two recent Duke alumni, Jenna Smith and Will Lieber, say that a class in restorative justice offered through the Kenan Institute for Ethics affected the trajectory of their scholarly journeys — from Duke to Rhodes Scholarships.

The class, “Just Work: Restorative Justice Models and Applications,” taught by Kenan Institute’s associate director Ada Gregory, challenged what Smith and Lieber thought they knew about how the criminal justice system works.

In contrast to the typical criminal justice process, which focuses on punishment, restorative justice is a voluntary process that seeks to repair the harm caused by the crime. They say the course was effective beyond the content because of how Gregory, a former police officer, taught the course. 

“She actively encouraged dissent,” Lieber said. “It seemed like (Gregory) was really curious when people disagreed.”

A significant part of the class discussions took place in restorative justice circles, where everyone can speak. Listening for understanding, rather than debating disagreements, is the paramount, shared value.

As a 2025 Rhodes Scholar at Oxford, Smith is currently pursuing a Master in Public Policy, to be followed by a Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice.

This year Lieber will join Smith at Oxford, with plans for a Master of Science in Education and a Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice.

Smith and Lieber pointed to the importance of having a diverse class membership that included local residents who volunteer with the nonprofit Restorative Justice Durham. “Getting to engage in those conversations not just with our peers in the classroom but our community members in Durham was part of why I found the class so engaging,” Smith said.

To read the full story go to the Kenan Institute for Ethics website.