Following enquiries from concerned local teachers seeking clarity on funding for anti-racist curriculum resources, Lothian MSP Foysol Choudhury raised the matter with the Scottish Government in Parliament last Thursday.
During Portfolio Questions, Mr Choudhury asked the Cabinet Secretary: “What specific funding allocations will be made to support participative curriculum resourcing in anti-racist materials, and how will schools be supported to access high-quality materials to ensure racist incidents are handled effectively to prevent far-right narratives from filling the gaps?”
In response, Cabinet Secretary Jenny Gilruth outlined funding already available to support anti-racism work in schools, noting that two additional funding streams are also in place. She confirmed she would write to Mr Choudhury with further details, and he said he looks forward to receiving that information.
As MSP for the Lothian region and a lifelong equality campaigner, Mr Choudhury has repeatedly raised issues around racism in schools, including funding for anti-racism education, improving reporting of racist incidents, and ensuring inclusive curriculum reform.
He has also been a leading voice on equality throughout his career, including serving as Chair of the Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council and supporting minority ethnic communities and anti-racism initiatives across Scotland.
In previous parliamentary questions, he sought clarity on government funding for anti-racism education initiatives, including programmes delivered through organisations such as Education Scotland and Intercultural Youth Scotland as part of the wider Anti-Racism in Education Programme.
Mr Choudhury said: “Our schools must be places where every child feels safe, respected, and represented. Teachers who contacted me were keen to ensure they have the right resources to support their pupils, and well-supported anti-racism programmes are an important part of that work.”
He added that he will continue working constructively with teachers, parents, young people and anti-racism organisations to understand what support schools need and to follow up with ministers as further information becomes available.
