Racism is a serious issue in many international schools worldwide, but there are ways to reduce its prevalence. Here are the top 10 strategies for how we tackle racism at ISHCMC:
- Increased cultural awareness and education programs. Teaching students about different cultures helps to increase understanding and respect between people of various backgrounds. We provide opportunities for intercultural dialogue, such as guest speakers or debates about critical issues.
- Promote equity within the school environment. All students have equal access to resources and educational opportunities, regardless of their background or ethnicity. Faculty are held accountable for ensuring that all students receive equitable treatment and support from administrators, teachers, and other staff.
- Ensure that all students feel safe and respected. We work to provide a safe and supportive environment for students of all cultural backgrounds, where they can learn without fear of discrimination or harassment. We are revising our policy on bullying and ensuring zero tolerance for racism.
- Implement anti-racism initiatives within the school curriculum. Teaching about racism in the classroom can help to raise awareness of racial prejudices and biases, leading to a more respectful school climate. Through POSISH we incorporate activities such as role-play or discussions into the lesson plans, which allows students to explore issues surrounding racism in an open and non-judgmental way.
- Encourage parents to talk openly about race and racism. Conversations will help students understand different perspectives and cultures and learn how to address issues of discrimination respectfully.
- Provide support for students from minority backgrounds. ISHCMC ensures all students feel accepted by providing resources such as student counseling or mentoring programs. These services can provide students from minority backgrounds with support and guidance to cope with any discrimination or difficulties they may face at school.
- Adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards racism in the school community: International schools must take a stand against racism by adopting a zero-tolerance approach.
- Ban racist language in the school environment. ISHCMC has clear guidelines on offensive words and phrases for the classroom, playground, and other school-related activities. Teachers also ensure that all students understand why such language is inappropriate and how it can negatively affect people from different backgrounds.
- Representation matters: We enlist the help of encouraging figures from various cultural backgrounds who can help show students that everyone is equal regardless of ethnicity or culture. We work to ensure learning materials such as books and videos represent the school’s population and invite diverse perspectives.
- Stand up against racism: We take an active stance against racism in the classroom and beyond. ISHCMC helps organize safeguarding and equity-based events throughout the extended Vietnam community.
With these strategies, international schools like ISHCMC can make great strides toward reducing racism in our society and creating more equitable learning environments for all students. By taking steps to increase cultural awareness, promote equity, ensure safety, encourage dialogue about race issues, and actively stand up against racism, schools can create a positive and inclusive learning experience for their students.
