International schools are not immune to racism and discrimination, and would do well to prepare their students to engage with diversity, equity and inclusion, says Esther Mustamu-Daniels
Many international schools are starting their journey of awareness in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion. Since student and staff in these schools are so diverse by nature, often staff feel that there are no problems and that racism and discrimination are not a factor in the schools. However, in my experience, this is usually very far from the truth.
Because of recent events that have made headlines worldwide – such as the murder of George Floyd, the case of Child Q in London and multiple racially motivated-shootings in America – diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) have become urgent areas to engage with in all educational settings. International schools, whose alumni go to universities all over the world, would do well to support, inform and equip students with knowledge and language to engage with the different topics around DEI. Activities schools should engage with are, for example: ensuring students have a sound understanding of protected characteristics and human rights, analysing resources used in the school and other settings, investigating curriculums to identify whether our education systems support equitable and inclusive viewpoints, and supporting our communities to talk and raise issues that impact them.
How can schools get started?
Start with the staff: build open conversations. It is important to know that not everyone is at the same place on their journeys and also that there are different opinions.
Gathering information on the ‘tone’ of your school and allowing safe spaces to share experiences is a crucial factor. What is important is that this is not only talk; action is also needed.
This is an emotional and challenging journey, so be sure to provide space and time to reflect and learn. Here are three key aspects of the journey: action, leadership and support.
1. Action
Build a plan detailing how you will move forward. You may need to conduct a survey or gather some research and data from your school’s stakeholders to help you focus on what the priorities are in your specific setting. Are there particular needs or policies that need addressing first? This will help focus on each step and assign roles or tasks to specific people. This should be flexible so that it can be adapted along the way.
2. Leadership
Is there someone leading the work? Is that person being paid? Does the senior leadership team support and value the work being done? Does your leadership understand the why and how? This is important because it is extremely difficult to implement significant change without their support and understanding. Leadership needs to take accountability for the work being done in their school.
3. Support
This is also an essential element. Who is supporting the people completing the work? Are they being emotionally supported as well as practically? The people leading or sharing this work may have been personally impacted or triggered by the issues raised; how are they being supported?
This is not a badge or a t-shirt; this is a cultural shift
If you are involved or starting up, learn, speak and support. Twitter is an excellent source of examples, webinars, individuals and organisations that can support you on your journey.
Being an ally and ensuring everyone is doing their part is imperative. There is so much work being done at the moment, and all of it is important.
What is important to note is that action in any form is good and a positive step in the right direction.
Addressing and tackling these issues will take time, and for long-lasting impact, action will need to be embedded in the culture of your school. This is not a badge or a t-shirt; this is a cultural shift.
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