March 20, 2023
Schools urged to crack down on racism
A new study by the Education Review Office on ethnic diversity in schools says every school needs to tackle racism and be able to respond to increased ethnic diversity.
The study found many learners from ethnic communities achieve well in education, but there is widespread ethnic bullying which is too often not taken seriously by schools.
ERO chief executive Nicholas Pole says addressing the problem should also benefit Māori students.
He says the new Education Act places an obligation on schools and schools boards to take all reasonable steps to eliminate racism, address bullying and remove any forms of discrimination.
“Embedded in that area is also acknowledging te tiriti and making schools much more responsive to their Māori learners, to whānau, to ensuring their is tikanga, te reo and matauranga Māori in the experience of Māori learners,” Mr Pole says.