Peer Mediation Dropped Harshman Middle Suspension Rates
Indianapolis families are seeing a major shift in school discipline as student-led mediation replaces traditional punishment.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Secondary Education
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H.L. Harshman Middle School reported a significant decline in out-of-school suspensions, dropping from 26% in 2023 to 8% during the 2024-25 school year. The school utilized a peer mediation program to help students resolve conflicts.
Why it matters
The program aims to intervene in student disputes before they escalate into physical altercations that require adult intervention or disciplinary removal. This change significantly alters the school climate and family logistics surrounding student attendance.
H.L. Harshman Middle School serves approximately 500 students and saw its out-of-school suspension rate drop from 26% in 2023 to 8% in 2024-25. The initiative is supported by a $1.2 million grant from Indiana University Health.
The players
H.L. Harshman Middle School
An Indianapolis middle school that serves approximately 500 students and has implemented a formal peer-led conflict resolution initiative.
Indiana University Health
A prominent healthcare provider in Indiana that provided a $1.2 million grant to support the student mediation program.
The details
The program selects 25 to 30 students from over 100 applicants to undergo three weeks of after-school training. During mediation, students meet with these peer mediators to identify and express their feelings regarding a conflict. To protect the process, participants sign an agreement committing not to discuss the resolved argument outside of the mediation room.
Timeline
The peer mediation program launched at the school in 2016.
The school suspension rate peaked at 26% in 2023.
The suspension rate reached 8% during the 2024-25 school year.
The Home Front
The school’s focus on restorative practices aligns with a national trend toward reducing reliance on traditional out-of-school suspensions. This approach represents a broader movement to address student conflict through peer-led intervention rather than strictly punitive administrative measures.
Families with students at H.L. Harshman should talk with their children about how to access the mediation program if they are involved in a disagreement at school. Parents can also check the school handbook to understand the current disciplinary policies and conflict resolution resources available.
The takeaway
Peer-led resolution programs can effectively stabilize the school environment and significantly reduce the need for home-based supervision during suspensions. Parents should encourage their children to identify and articulate their emotions as a primary step in resolving minor school-day conflicts.
Further reading
Learn more about local programs within Secondary Education.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The 74.
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