Restorative Peacemaking Circles and other Conflict Management Efforts in Three Ontario High SchoolsThis research investigates how three secondary schools introduced initiatives to help build peaceful climates, through a focus on building and repairing relationships instead of using punitive harsh discipline practices. The literature review presents and discusses research demonstrating that harsh discipline practices have not been effective in preventing and reducing violence (Children’s Defense Fund, 2012; Gladden, 2002; Sacco & Nakhaie, 2007; Skiba & Noam, 2001). I also review research showing that economically and racially marginalized youth have been disproportionately punished in schools (Children’s Defense Fund, 2012; Gonzalez, 2012).