Extract from Chapter 1

Racial Equality Policies

Introduction

1.1 Schools and their governing bodies have a significant role to play in addressing racism in society. A prerequisite of this task is for schools to formulate and adopt clearly stated policies which can be owned and proclaimed by all those connected with the school. A successful strategy will require participation of all those involved in the life of the school...

A Model Racial Equality Statement

Members of this school are drawn from the wider community in which racism exists, as a result of which they may have encountered forms of abuse.

This school is a Church of England school that is institutionally rooted in the Christian faith. Through its corporate life it attempts to glorify God in the development of the full human potential in each person, whether governor, parent, pupil or member of staff. Its ethos of love and care and its commitment to justice are the foundation of its aims in educating the whole school community to make its proper contribution to society.

Therefore, this school:

(a) is opposed to all forms of racism which seek to disadvantage persons on the grounds of colour, culture or ethnic origin;

(b) will continue to re-appraise and develop its organisation and curriculum in order to create an ethos that meets the needs of all its pupils and so provide the best possible environment in which they may achieve their full potential, spiritually, morally, socially, intellectually, emotionally, and physically;

(c) will not tolerate racist behaviour such as name calling, stereotyping of all ethnic groups, insulting remarks, offensive graffiti, undue pressure on individuals and bullying. It will not use literature that is racially biased and dependent upon stereotypes, nor will it allow the distribution of racist literature or pamphlets or permit the wearing of racially offensive symbols;

(d) will take immediate and positive action against any racist offences whoever may be the perpetrator. Those responsible will be made aware of the school's opposition to racism and reasons will be given. Sanctions will be applied as judged appropriate according to the circumstances and having in mind a positive outcome;

(e) in the light of the above, is aware of the need to publicise its racial equality policy and code of conduct. It will keep them under review and maintain a system of monitoring their effectiveness. This critical openness should in fact arise from the place of the church school within the living Christian community which itself should be critically open in response to the message of the Gospel.