“At a time when racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism and Islamophobia are on the rise across Europe, it is important that all children, from all backgrounds, learn and practice non-discrimination. Education is the most appropriate tool to fight racism and discrimination and build inclusive societies. Equality, respect and tolerance can and should be taught to children. ECRI’s guidelines on combating discrimination in and through education can help ensure that all children receive the education they deserve. » [1]
We often talk about racism in adults, not enough in children. The latter can unfortunately suffer racial discrimination in the school establishment, from their teachers and/or their classmates. Researchers at the University of California have also conducted a study on the state of health of children who are victims of racist remarks [2]. It turns out that these behaviors can have serious consequences on their health: risk of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), anxiety, depression, etc. Dr. Ashaunta Anderson, director of the study, says that “a significant link was found between exposure to racism and deterioration in health status”. The impact is also greater among children from low-income or minority families.
So how do we fight racism in education?
In the press release of the European Parliament dated March 8, 2022, we can read that MEPs call for “educational curricula to be reviewed in order to actively combat prejudice and remove stereotypes leading to discrimination” [3]. According to Salima Yenbou, MEP since 2019, “we must actively fight against racism, so that our daughters and sons no longer have to wonder if they have a place in our society. In order to build a better future, we must know and understand our history. This is why it is important for students to learn more about colonialism, slavery, genocide and all related phenomena. Media that disseminate racist language about migrants and refugees must be stopped, as well as content that is racist, whether intentional or not” [3].
Three actors have a role to play in the fight against segregation in schools:
- Politicians;
- Teachers;
- Families.
First, politicians must put in place and fund policies that aim to combat racism. Second, teachers must be trained to work with children of all backgrounds and have the necessary skills to promote inclusion and fight discrimination in the school system. They will thus be able to send strong messages to their students and prevent any manifestation of racism in order to react quickly. Finally, parents must play a greater role within the school in order to promote equality and non-discrimination in education.
In addition to culture, media and sport, education should be used to combat structural racism and promote the values of tolerance.
Sources :
[1] The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI). Recommandation de politique générale de l’ECRI n°10 : Points principaux. Available HERE[2] Garnier, M. et Benarousse M. (2018). Le racisme détériore la santé des enfants qui en sont victimes. Available HERE
[3] European Parliament (2022). Lutte contre le racisme : mettre fin à la ségrégation dans les écoles et stopper la xénophobie dans les médias. Available HERE
