Indianapolis School Peer Mediation Lowered Suspensions

H.L. Harshman Middle School saw suspension rates fall to 8% after implementing a student-led conflict resolution program.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Secondary Education

Bold vector editorial illustration of two interlocking organic shapes and an architectural archway, symbolizing the resolution of student conflict. — H.L. Harshman Middle School in Indianapolis successfully reduced out-of-school suspension rates to 8% for the 2024-25 academic year by implementing a student-led peer mediation initiative. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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H.L. Harshman Middle School in Indianapolis implemented a peer mediation program that helped lower out-of-school suspension rates to 8% for the 2024-25 school year. The initiative allows students to resolve disputes through trained peers rather than immediate adult intervention.

Why it matters

The program aims to address interpersonal conflicts before they escalate into physical altercations that require disciplinary action. By fostering student-led resolution, the school seeks to provide a safer and more stable environment for its 500 students.

The school program is funded by a $1.2 million grant from Indiana University Health. Approximately 25 to 30 students are selected annually to serve as mediators after completing three weeks of training.

The players

H.L. Harshman Middle School

This educational institution is located in Indianapolis and enrolls approximately 500 students.

Indiana University Health

This organization provided a $1.2 million grant to support the school's peer mediation initiative.

The details

Students work to resolve disputes by meeting with peer mediators who help them identify and express their feelings in a confidential setting. Participants must sign an agreement promising not to discuss the resolved argument outside of the mediation room.

The school launched the peer mediation program in 2016.
The school suspension rate peaked at 26% in 2023.
The suspension rate reached 8% during the 2024-25 school year.

Culture Shift

This program reflects a growing national shift toward restorative justice practices in secondary education to manage student behavior. By replacing punitive measures with dialogue, schools are moving away from traditional disciplinary systems toward peer-led conflict resolution.

Parents and local residents may see a change in school climate as disciplinary strategies prioritize student-led mediation over traditional suspensions. This approach requires ongoing student participation and adherence to confidentiality agreements for the process to remain effective.

The takeaway

Peer mediation serves as a practical tool to reduce reliance on out-of-school suspensions by empowering students to solve disputes independently. Implementing such programs requires significant training and institutional support to ensure students can effectively navigate conflicts.