Incidents of racism at Merton schools have tripled in the past two years, a Freedom Of Information request by Merton Matters reveals.
Incidents of racism at Merton schools have tripled in the past two years, a Freedom Of Information request by Merton Matters reveals.
138 incidents were reported during the 2008-9 academic year, a rise of 93 on the 2006-7 figures.
This follows a report released in October showing around 40,000 nationwide school complaints have been made this year, and 280,000 since records began.
“The obligation on schools to report these incidents wastes teachers’ time, interferes in children’s space in the playground, and undermines teachers’ ability to deal with problems in their classrooms,” said Adrian Hart, author of the report.
“Worse, such anti-racist policies can create divisions where none had existed, by turning everyday playground spats into ‘race issues’.”
Mr Hart says that while some of these figures represent bullying, most of these incidents are kids quarrels.
He continued: “They don’t need re-educating out of their prejudice – they and their teachers need to be left alone.”
Martin Ward, deputy general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: “Certainly any racist incident in schools should be dealt with swiftly but the definition of racism can be taken too far, especially with young children who clearly don’t understand the connotation behind the words.”
But Schools Minister Diana Johnson said: “If racist bullying is not dealt with in schools, then this will send a powerful message to children that racism is acceptable – not only in schools but in society as a whole.”
The report was made by the Manifesto Club civil liberties group, which campaigns against the ‘hyperregulation’ of everyday life.
The Myth of Racist Kids – anti-racism policy and the regulation of school life is available for £8.50 at http://www.manifestoclub.com/mythracistkids
