ELREC promotes a culture of zero tolerance of inequality, hate and all kinds of discrimination, both in society and in schools.
As an equality organization we do a lot of work in schools through our True Colours Project, challenging stereotypes and prejudices young people may have.
However, it is not just young people but staff and teachers in schools needing training and awareness too. Ignorance is not bliss when it affects people in a negative way, especially when young people go through their school lives suffering poor mental health and later carrying the scars into adulthood.
Many children are aware of the racist behaviour of adults and some practice this racism in school. Unfortunately, when teachers and other staff are also the perpetrators, it either goes unreported or if it is reported, then most likely the school ignores it and so the cycle continues.
The history and the harm that are associated with racism must be taught properly, like any other mainstream subject, in our schools. The curriculum must reflect this change in our educational objectives. If there are no consequences to racist behaviour, then it will continue in our schools. Consequences should be outlined clearly for children, teachers, governing bodies and local authorities.
Promoting mutual respect and understanding of diversity is key to countering all forms of intolerances and discrimination. Community organisations can only do so much, the education department must take serious action as they have duty of care to protect these young people during school hours.
As an equality organisation we are happy to help schools achieve this and some of our recommendations are:
• policymakers, teachers and families must all work together to promote equality and non-discrimination both in schools and at home
• policymakers must create, enforce and fund policies to eliminate discrimination.
• teachers must be trained to work with children from all backgrounds; and pupils’ parents should be included in their school’s decisions to promote equality and non-discrimination in education
• Governments must provide the appropriate financial resources for schools to be able to promote equality and non-discrimination and regularly monitor the situation
By working together, we can create an equal, safer and more tolerant society for the future generations.
Foysol Choudhury MBE
Chairman, Edinburgh and Lothian Regional Equality Council
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