Racism is treating someone differently or unfairly, simply because they belong to a different race or culture.
People can also experience prejudice because of their religion or nationality.
It is illegal to treat people differently or unfairly because of their race and no one has the right to make another feel bad or abuse them.
Racist incidents
A racist incident is any incident which is perceived to be racist by the victim or any other person. Racist incidents in school (or on the way to and from school) may involve pupils, teachers, non-teaching staff, parents, governors, visitors or others.
Racist incidents include:
- Written or verbal threats or insults (including racist name calling and jokes)
- Personal attacks including violence
- Damage to property (including graffiti)
Reporting racist incidents
Your first point of contact is the school. The school must log all reported racist incidents.
Under the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000, all state schools must have a race equality policy which explains how they will address racism and deal with racist incidents.
If you are not satisfied with the action taken, or if you feel that racism is continuing, you should contact the chair of governors. Your concerns will be fully investigated.
If you are still not satisfied you can contact the Ethnic Minority and Traveller Achievement Service (EMTAS):
Peta Ullmann - EMTAS Manager
School Improvement and Early Years
Tel: 01268 531291
You may also want to tell the police if a criminal offence is involved, for example, if your child is being assaulted.
More information and advice:
Britkid – a website about race and racism as seen through the eyes of the Britkids;