Racism in society: what’s education got to do with it?

  Racism in society : what’s education got to do with it? Racism is an ugly stain on humanity. How wonderful it would be if we all thought of ourselves as equal – regardless of race/ethnicity. This is obviously not the case, and for the past 400 years, people who are not white have faced untold miseries due to the colour of their skin or their ethnicity. The recent murder of George Floyd in the United States of America is a poignant reminder of two important power imbalances, first - between the people and the police, and second, between white and non-white people. Racism in England and the UK is endemic in every facet of society – religion, judiciary, industry, education, etc. In the main, England (and by extension the UK) can be considered an inclusive country. However, beneath the surface, the practices and cultures of many institutions, within and outside education, are anything but inclusive. What goes on in educational institutions is important for several reasons, not leas...