Anti-racist policy
Aims:
To provide an environment free from racism.
The governors and staff of the school welcome the multi-ethnic nature of present-day British society and are wholly opposed to racism. We condemn all expressions of racist attitudes, either through remarks or conduct, and we expect parents and students to condemn them too.
The anti-racist policy and practice should be seen in the context of the aims of the school’s equal opportunities policy and the opposition to any form of racism.
Staff are committed to an ethos of equality. This is the foundation of all staff practice.
Principles:
In order to achieve racial harmony the staff follow and will continue to the follow these principles:
- all students and staff are treated with dignity and should feel that their culture is valued by the school
- all students and staff are given equal opportunities to develop their potential
- school life reflects the different backgrounds of the students and staff
- the curriculum reflects the various cultures of Britain
- there is open discussion about living in a multi-ethnic community and this includes discussions about the causes of racism
- all racist incidents and attacks, whether physical or verbal, are dealt with according to the school policy
- distribution of racist literature and the use of school premises by racist groups will not be allowed
Practice:
The following are unacceptable and apply to all students and staff:
- racist remarks that are insulting, abusive, provocative
- reference to stereotypes
- racist literature that is brought to or circulated in school
- racist slogans and graffiti on walls, desks etc
- racist behaviour or incidents which may lead to bullying, intimidation, manipulation, aggression, violence and disorder
- inaccurate statements regarding ethnic minorities which give credence to racist attitudes
Sanctions (depending on seriousness of case and the number of previous offences):
- reporting to and follow-up by Key Stage Leader/Senior staff withdrawal from a lesson
- parents informed and invited to school to discuss the matter
- exclusion from school
- suspension/expulsion following the Authority’s disciplinary procedure
- For staff, the Authority’s disciplinary procedures will be followed
Recording and monitoring of racist incidents:
- There will be a central log of racist incidents, and all staff must be aware of this
- For effective monitoring such recording cannot be anonymous
- Tutors will be informed in writing if their students are involved in racist behaviour, and how the matter has been dealt with; the written record will be passed to the Key Stage Leader
- The Key Stage Leader will ensure such incidents are put in the central log, and will regularly review the log with the tutor
- Serious incidents (as is the usual procedure) will go into the student’s file
- Reports involving members of staff will be a matter for the Head of the school; and the Head will keep a log of such incidents
- Incidents will be reported regularly to Governors in the Head’s confidential report on exclusions
Action to be taken after a racist incident: click here
Plumstead Manor School Anti-Racist Statement:
Plumstead Manor School is a multi-ethnic community with pupils and staff from many different cultures and backgrounds. All the members of this community bring with them a wide range of experiences and many speak several languages.
All forms of racism are condemned by staff and pupils.
It is racist to insult people by calling them names which are offensive because they refer to colour or origin.
It is racist to pick on others because of their origin and the colour of their skin.
It is racist to sit and listen while other people are being racist.
It is racist to bring into school any material from racist organisations such as the British National Party (BNP).
It is racist to make racist gestures or write insulting racist slogans and graffiti.
All forms of racism are unacceptable in this school and will be treated very seriously.
If you are faced with racism, don’t think you have to handle it all by yourself.
You can either:
- talk to a teacher you trust
- talk to your friends
- go to your tutor or your Key Stage Leader for advice
What should I do if someone is racist towards me?
- If it is in the classroom, you should tell theteacher so that she/he can make it clear immediately that racism is quite unacceptable and against school policy.
- or tell a teacher and a Key Stage Leader after the lesson; and tell your parents so that they can inform a teacher.
WHATEVER YOU DECIDE TO DO IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU TELL SOMEONE YOU TRUST ABOUT THE INCIDENT SO THAT RACISM CAN BE STOPPED
Action taken depends on the level of the offence
But if it’s a serious incident? Teacher should always respond quickly
What happens to pupils who behave in a racist way?
- Policy and rules re-stated
- apology
- settling matter with victim
- removal of graffiti, etc
- Written report made
- Exclusion from lesson(s)
- Warning re future behaviour
- Discussion with whole class
- Parents informed whenever necessary
- Counselling
- Parents involved in discussion at school
- Senior member of staff deals with it
- Exclusion from school
- All incidents are entered in the log of racist behaviour
What about the victim?
Support for those who have been treated in a racist way:
- from teachers
- from older pupils
- counselling
- parents and teachers work together
- regular discussion of racism and school policy/practice
Updated:
October 2, 2008