Although procedural justice is an important factor shaping individuals’ perceptions of crime and safety, its role in school settings remains understudied. Using the 2022 NCVS School Crime Supplement, this study examined whether perceived procedural justice in school practices buffers adolescents from the negative consequences of hate-related victimization focusing on fear of crime. Students who experienced hate-related victimization at school reported higher fear of crime than their non-victimized peers, including greater emotional distress and avoidance behaviors. This relationship particularly for emotional distress weakened as perceived procedural justice increased. This buffering effect was more pronounced among students who had experienced hate-related victimization in schools. Procedural justice may serve as a protective factor, mitigating the psychological harm associated with hate-related victimization in schools.
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