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Racial Discrimination in Schools

08 March 2023

Lead MP

Janet Daby
Lewisham East
Lab

Responding Minister

Not recorded

Tags

Women & Equalities
Word Count: 7620
Other Contributors: 8

At a Glance

Janet Daby raised concerns about racial discrimination in schools in Westminster Hall. Response awaited from government.

Key Requests to Government:

Daby urged the Government to review its guidance from 2012 and 2017 that advised schools they had no obligation to report racist incidents or record bullying, so as to allow tracking of such issues. She also called for updating guidance on reasonable force usage by school staff, including requiring a policy on it and making it part of training.

How the Debate Unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:

Lead Contributor

Lewisham East
Opened the debate
Janet Daby expressed deep concern over racial discrimination incidents reported in British schools, citing a shocking assault on a black female child and other examples of racial attacks. She highlighted that there were more than 60,000 racist incidents between 2016 and 2021, but due to the lack of legal obligation for schools to report these incidents, accurate data is not available. Daby also mentioned a survey indicating one in four students have experienced racism at their educational institutions.
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy

About Westminster Hall Debates

Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.