Preventive, proactive action

There is a pattern to racial harassment and violence wherever it occurs. The response needs to incorporate a preventative strategy promoting racial equality and tolerance as well as clear and speedy action to deal with those responsible.

Schools cannot hope to provide the complete answer. This needs to come from a commitment to work collaboratively across the community and with other partners. This will involve other agencies across sectors who can combine resources, expertise and experience to provide effective solutions.

The Lawrence definition (‘any incident that is perceived to be racist by the victim or any other person’) should be made clear in all policies and procedures. In addition, there should be no doubt about how to apply the definition. This will involve an explanation that protection is afforded to all, including Scottish Gypsies and Travellers, asylum seekers, white minorities and Jews.

Kidscape notes that schools should ensure that:

• pupils are told from day one that bullying of any kind is not tolerated

• parents are informed that the school is committed to ensuring racial harmony amongst its pupils, staff and the community

• there are materials, books and lessons and activities which are used in the curriculum to help pupils learn appropriate ways to behave

• PHSE modules cover prejudice, direct/indirect discrimination, stereotypes, celebrating diversity

• guidelines state all pupils are entitled to feel safe and secure

• the school ethos is one which values and respects people from all cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds

• all staff and governors are trained in equality issues, working with parents, supporting victims, changing negative behaviour and school procedures for resolving bullying.