santa sabina newspaper: Racism in School
alessandra & Amelia
It has been three hours since the final school bell has rung but a vulnerable adolescent girl is sobbing away madly in the bathroom after racial slurs were thrown at her in the last period. Throughout the past years, it has become apparent that there is a fine line between larrikinism and racism. More than two-thirds of young people are the victims of racism at school. A report released by the Foundation for Young Australians revealed that many students who experienced racism did not report it, with about half telling a teacher and only 12% informing the police.
Racism in Australian schools is widely recognised however it is an issue neglected within the community. Children are discriminated against, ostracised and their races and the traits that follow this are negatively held against them all within the safe gates of their schools; the places where they are “free to be themselves and be recognised as individuals”. Obviously this idea of belonging within Australian schools is not ensured.
Everyone can play a part in racism within the school community; whether it be the victimised student, the student discriminating against, the teacher, or the by-standing student. All roles are significant and can greatly affect the outcome. However, the problem is initiated through the education of the students. Thus, Australian schools need to better educate their students of multiculturalism in Australia; raising awareness that Australia is a country which recognises and respects other races. Such education allows children to have an understanding of racism and belonging and that everyone deserves the same opportunities regardless of race, skin colour, language and traditions.
Through the education of students about the startling affects of racism, that young girl hiding away in the bathroom can finally go home with confidence, knowing that she is accepted by her peers. It is time to give racism the boot.
Racism in Australian schools is widely recognised however it is an issue neglected within the community. Children are discriminated against, ostracised and their races and the traits that follow this are negatively held against them all within the safe gates of their schools; the places where they are “free to be themselves and be recognised as individuals”. Obviously this idea of belonging within Australian schools is not ensured.
Everyone can play a part in racism within the school community; whether it be the victimised student, the student discriminating against, the teacher, or the by-standing student. All roles are significant and can greatly affect the outcome. However, the problem is initiated through the education of the students. Thus, Australian schools need to better educate their students of multiculturalism in Australia; raising awareness that Australia is a country which recognises and respects other races. Such education allows children to have an understanding of racism and belonging and that everyone deserves the same opportunities regardless of race, skin colour, language and traditions.
Through the education of students about the startling affects of racism, that young girl hiding away in the bathroom can finally go home with confidence, knowing that she is accepted by her peers. It is time to give racism the boot.