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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
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.
Alistair Carmichael
Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
Alistair Carmichael argues that strategies must be in place to empower teachers like Theo Ogbhemhe, who leads an anti-racism group at Kirkwall Grammar School.
Graham Stringer
Lab
Blackley and Broughton
Graham Stringer highlighted the lack of ethnic minority representation in English literature curricula, citing Teach First's report that found 80% of GCSE entries feature no books by black authors. He urged the Government to update the curriculum for greater diversity.
Helen Jones
Lab
Warrington North
Helen Jones supported Daby's concerns about racial discrimination in schools, emphasizing the need for action to reduce fear among children experiencing discrimination and ensure they have a positive learning environment.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Mr Shannon highlighted that racism and cultural ignorance exist in schools. He mentioned over 60,000 racial incidents reported by UK schools in 2021. He discussed the importance of teaching children about cultural identity and discrimination to foster tolerance.
Jonathan Lord emphasises the importance of governors and governing bodies in promoting inclusivity and leadership within schools in his constituency, encouraging community involvement.
Kirsten Oswald
SNP
Dumfries and Galloway
Kirsten Oswald highlights the ongoing consequences of racial discrimination beyond immediate safeguarding concerns, stressing the importance of a safe learning environment for children. Ms Oswald used a phrase coined by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, finding it apt in the debate. Ms Oswald highlighted the importance of addressing racism in educational settings, emphasising that children should feel safe and able to learn without racial discrimination. She noted the impact of welcoming diversity on children's development and expressed concern about narratives from Government Benches like 'stop the boats' which affect school environments. She praised East Renfrewshire Council's efforts towards race equality and highlighted various community initiatives, such as Holocaust education, which support understanding and awareness of racial issues. Kirsten Oswald raised concerns about the low number of black female professors in higher education, noting only 40 such professors exist as of May 2022. She also referenced a Women and Equalities Committee report highlighting issues like undermining and stereotyping faced by black female academics.
Matt Rodda
Lab
Reading Central
Thanking his hon. Friend for securing the debate, Matt Rodda suggests that the Government should revisit guidance and learn from successes under the previous Labour Government.
Stephen Morgan
Lab
Portsmouth South
Stephen Morgan expressed concern over rising racism in UK schools, noting 7,403 students were suspended for racially motivated incidents last year. He cited statistics showing significant barriers to success faced by young black people due to racial discrimination and teacher perceptions.
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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.