Dealing with racist incidents
"A racist incident is any incident which is perceived to be racist by the
victim or any other person" (Stephen Lawrence Report, Chapter 47,
Recommendation 2).
Under the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 schools have a legal duty to:
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Eliminate unlawful racial discrimination
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Promote equal opportunities
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Promote good race relations between people of different racial groups
A racist incident can be any of the following:
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Verbal abuse, including name-calling, jokes
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Physical assault or threat
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Graffiti or distribution of racist literature or images
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Damage to property
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Incitement of others to act in a racist manner
Initial Response
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Treat it seriously
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Respond immediately
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Support the victim
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State school's policy on racism
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Focus on the behaviour of the perpetrator (not the person)
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Ask for an apology
Investigate
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School senior manager should lead
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Speak separately to the victim: find out if it is the first time, or part of a
pattern
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Be prepared to explain why it was a racist incident, if you judge it to be such
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Check school data to see if this was the first time for the perpetrator or the
victim
Further Response
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Record the incident
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Inform class or subject teachers
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Be seen to let everyone involved or witnessing a racist incident that it is
being dealt with
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As appropriate, contact parents or carers and inform of the incident and
actions taken
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Contact CEA@Islington