Tackling a racist incident

Anyone can report an incident as racially motivated: the victim, a witness, a friend or family member. Experience shows that individuals may be reluctant to report the racist issue within the incident.

There should be a range of measures to support victims and witnesses. These measures should start by accepting an individual’s view of the incident from the start of an investigation. This ‘person-centred approach’ is at the heart of modern victim support.

It is sometimes assumed that because someone does not hold overtly racist views they cannot be accused of a racist crime. This is sometimes shrugged off as ‘unwitting racism’. However, good practice would normally stress the need to focus on the offending behaviour and its impact.

All incidents need to be acknowledged and talked through even with young children. The following provides an overview of the key points for dealing with an incident:

• Acknowledge the incident, expressing disapproval.

• Give support to the victim; apologise for the incident.

• Identify the racist behaviour.

• Counsel the perpetrator whilst maintaining pastoral support.

• Explain to those responsible as well as onlookers what is unacceptable about the incident.

• Consider appropriate action from the range of sanctions outlined in the school’s policy, and follow the school’s procedure for recording the incident.

• Contact both sets of parents, explaining the action taken and relating this to the school’s behaviour policy.

Racist incidents have been under-reported in the past and treated as routine disciplinary issues or trivialised because of uncertainty and concern about possible repercussions. It is important that seemingly minor incidents are recorded. If a more serious incident occurs later on, an accurate record of a previous incident would allow the subsequent incident not to be treated in isolation.