Anti-racism in education: commitment and guidance

Guidance to support the anti-racism commitment made as part of the Anti-Racism in Education Programme (AREP).


Our commitment

Racism exists within our education system, interpersonally and institutionally. We commit to eradicating racism through our anti-racist actions and policies.

Context

This commitment and guidance supports the work of our Anti-Racism in Education Programme (AREP).  

The programme was developed by stakeholders, including children and young people, with lived experience of racism. This involved engagement with ministers and policy officials to develop a better understanding of the strategic approach required to embed anti-racism in schools and early years settings. Young people have also been represented on the AREP board and working groups.

The commitment is for everyone employed in the education sector in Scotland to participate in. 

It will contribute to the development of a proactively anti-racist education system and create the conditions to achieve the aim that by 2030, at least 4 per cent of teachers identify as coming from a minority ethnic background.  

The commitment should be considered in conjunction with the programme’s Breaking the Mould: Principles for an Anti-Racist Curriculum and in the wider context of: 

  • our over-arching approach to anti-racism
  • our ambitions for children and young people, recognising the importance of respecting and upholding their rights
  • the Education Reform agenda

Read more information on our strategic ambitions.   

Historically, racism has caused great harm to Black People and People of Colour and racialised minority groups, both in Scotland and across the wider world. During the last 20 years, there have been a range of initiatives, including those which are part of our wider policy on race equality, to correct this damage across different sectors, including in education.

We know that these initiatives have fallen short of achieving their aspirations and we need to do more if we are going to achieve our ambition for systemic change. This means we all need to implement systemic, sustainable anti-racist actions.  

Contact

Anti-Racism in Education Programme

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