Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Racial Discrimination in Schools

08 March 2023 · 8 other contributors · 7,620 words

Opened by Janet Daby Lab Lewisham East

Responding minister: Not recorded

EducationWomen & Equalities

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

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

Key points

  • Janet Daby expressed concern over racial discrimination incidents in British schools, citing a reported assault on a black female child and noting over 60,000 racist incidents from 2016 to 2021.
  • Daby urged the Government to review outdated guidance that advises schools they have no legal obligation to report racist incidents or record bullying.
  • Daby called for updating guidance on the use of reasonable force by school staff, including requiring a policy on it and incorporating it into staff training.

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.

Opened the debate

Janet Daby Lab Lewisham East

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.

Other contributors (8)
  • 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

    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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