Shared Understanding

School communities are highly diverse, representing a wealth of different knowledge, ideas and experiences. Encounters with racism and discrimination are no different.

Developing a shared understanding of key concepts, terminology and contemporary student experience is a great foundation for future action in this area.

Podcast

Racism: When it happens at school, we pick it up

Chapter 1 introduces the issue of racism and discrimination in Victorian secondary schools. We discuss some of the key definitions and take a look at what the current data is telling us.

In Chapter 2 we enlist the help of prominent academics and former students to provide insight into racism in schools from those who have experienced it.

In Chapter 3 we explore some of the reasons why racism is sometimes difficult to recognise, and often challenging to talk about.

In Chapter 4 we look at what schools can do – and what they are already doing – to proactively address racism and discrimination, and to create safe and inclusive environments for students.

Watch a young person’s story

The following resources are designed to support school leaders and teachers who are facilitating conversations about racism within the school environment.

• Facilitating Conversations About Racism – A guide for teachers and school leaders

• Facilitating Conversations About Racism – Navigating common challenges