The International Schools Review Forum

Reaching Out to SLT

How has your school dealt with racist comments made by students to a current staff member's child? Also sadly these racist comments are targeted at the mother when the family also goes out into the community. Prefer not to mention ethnicity. Please note I'm also in the ILT/SLT

I am a former SLT member at a Chinese Bilingual School, had both students and Chinese Faculty make racist comments in class...not directly towards a specific teacher...just in discussions...these comments were overheard by another teacher several times. Chinese Head of School did nothing and would not listen to us...she did not want to deal with it, she did not want it discussed outside our meetings and she wanted no discussions with the faculty member or students who were heard saying these racist comments.

The UGLY FACE of racism !!! Finish your contract and run away! Could also be a teaching moment for your child - in a positive - way but depends on severity and context.

Don't we see this all the time - even during recruitments ???

In situations like this, it's essential for leadership to take a proactive stance. Ignoring or downplaying racist comments not only perpetuates the behavior but also sends a message that such actions are tolerated. Implementing clear policies on bullying and discrimination, alongside regular training for staff and students on diversity and inclusion, can help create a more respectful atmosphere.

Nothing.

Where it only the IS and there was a clear policy and will behind it for inclusivity than its treated as any other disciplinary or behavior management issue.
The community however, nothing. Even in an IS with the best of real world intentions isnt going to change a culture. Leadership cant admonish community members with any type of corrective behavioral action.
This should be a learning experience for both the IT and the IS. Research carefully the region your going into as an IT and if theres a culture of discrimination either prepare yourself for it or dont go. Leadership hopefully will learn not to appoint those who dont fit in, or in the alternative be upfront with the IT and ownership and get both of their agreements before making an appointment.

Often your replies are nonsensical, this is actively offensive:

Leadership hopefully will learn not to appoint those who dont fit in

At best you're a troll, at worst you're a bigot.

When racism gets brushed off it’s so frustrating, instead of these being the safest places. This should be led by leadership, not only in policies, but with real actions. It’s about saying this behavior isn’t OK, whether it’s here or elsewhere. When the school doesn’t do enough about it, it sends the wrong message. That always includes always first, Support for those affected.