Jessica Rule and Javon Phillips, both 18, embarked on new academic journeys this year. Rule began her studies in musical theater at Illinois State University, while Phillips left his Austin community for Northern Illinois University to pursue a future in computer science. Both were former students at West Garfield’s Legal Prep Charter Academy, where they proudly wore red shirts labeled “Peace Warrior” as they prepared for the next chapter in their lives.
Rule and Phillips were part of a 46-member team known as the Peace Warriors, a student-led restorative justice force at Legal Prep. The program, spearheaded by Pastor Gerald Smith, aims to teach young people how to handle and interrupt conflict effectively. Rule joined the initiative to create positive change in her school community, and Phillips sought personal growth through his involvement.
Before the Peace Warriors’ involvement, Legal Prep witnessed up to three significant conflicts per week. Principal Marquan Morrison, who graduated from Legal Prep in 2016, noted how the program has transformed the school’s culture. Youths in the program apply, interview, and take tests to learn mediation skills. Smith, a pastor for over 30 years, initiated the program due to his frustration with conducting too many youth funerals.
Peace Warriors, trained in the principles of nonviolence inspired by Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., work to change mindsets within the school and surrounding community. They volunteer to de-escalate potential conflicts both on and off-campus. Since joining Legal Prep in the 2025-26 school year, Smith has previously run a similar program at North Lawndale College Prep High School in 2008.
“We try to give them space to talk it out, so we can move forward,” said Rule, emphasizing the importance of dialogue in conflict resolution.
The daily routine of a Peace Warrior involves arriving at school early, playing music, greeting students and staff, and monitoring interactions. They keep an eye on social media channels for potential conflicts developing online. Throughout the day, they offer support and mentorship to students in need. When conflicts arise, Peace Warriors conduct peace circles to mediate issues proactively.
In the event of an altercation, involved students spend time with a trained proctor to reflect on their behavior. They write and read letters of accountability to one another and their peers, fostering trust and understanding within the school community.
Smith noted that many Peace Warriors have experienced violence or bullying before joining the program. Their shared fatigue with violence motivates them to seek constructive alternatives. The effort resulted in a transformative school year, celebrated by a 100-day streak of peace. This success was marked by a march outside Legal Prep Charter Academy in June 2026.
Morrison expressed enthusiasm for expanding the Peace Warrior program and its positive impact. Rule, who once avoided intervening in conflicts, has embraced her role as an “upstander.”
Legal Prep’s founder and CEO, Samuel Finkelstein, is considering partnering with a local elementary school to share the Peace Warriors’ approach. Finkelstein emphasized the importance of empowering student leaders through this program.
The concept of “teen trends,” gatherings stemming from limited opportunities and community spaces, highlights the need for initiatives like Peace Warriors. Almethia Franklin, a researcher at the University of Illinois Chicago, pointed out that youth seek places to connect and build communities when formal spaces are unavailable.
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