Racial discrimination in schools
Racial discrimination in schools
It is a frightening thought, but a study by Manchester University and analysts at Education Data Survey have found that 44 per cent of teachers said that they had suffered discrimination because of their ethnicity.
The Teacher Support Network is not surprisingly taking up this issue and have said,
“Racism is simply unacceptable and any incident of discrimination in schools is damaging. However we know that many schools work hard to tackle theses issues.
The fair treatment of teachers and young people irrespective of race is particularly important in schools, where the outlook and open-mindedness of future generations is being shaped.
“We know from contact with teachers via our telephone and online services that racism can be traumatic for those it affects. If good teachers are being denied the positions they deserve because of the bigotry of others, the profession, as well as the individual concerned, is paying a heavy price.
“Anyone affected should immediately contact their trade union. Teacher Support Network can help individuals to cope with the emotional fallout resulting from perceived or actual discrimination. Everyone involved in education – government, stakeholders, parents, school leaders, teachers and pupils – must continue to work in partnership to fight prejudice however it is manifested.
“Advice on discrimination on schools can be found in our online InfoCentre at www.teachersupport.info”
And this is even before we begin to consider how we can teach issues such as racism, when it appears to be endemic within schools. Sadly I have no sort of answer for this – I can only relay the information as it came to me.
Notes
1. For more information on the study, see here: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/teachers-face–institutional-racism-claims-1816209.html
2. Teacher Support Network is a group of charities dedicated to improving the wellbeing and effectiveness of training, serving and retired teachers and other education professionals.
3. The Teacher Support Network Group is made up of:
Teacher Support Network, which is the parent charity and the charity for teachers in England.
Teacher Support Cymru (TSC), which provides bilingual services for teachers in Wales.
Teacher Support Scotland (TSS), which provides services for teachers in Scotland.
College and University Support Network (CUSN), which is the charity for those working in adult, further and higher education.
4. The Contact Centre can be contacted on 08000 562 561. Staffed by trained counsellors with education expertise, all services are 24-hour, free and confidential.
5. Teacher Support Online is a secure email-based coaching service for teachers accessible via www.teachersupport.info
Copies of most of the stories from the Schools News Services are available at www.blog.schools.co.uk