GIER researcher response on report on racism in Australian schools
The article discusses recent findings on racism in Australian schools, particularly highlighting a survey reported by ABC journalist Mary Lloyd, which found that 91% of African-Australian respondents had experienced racism in school settings. Professor Leonie Rowan and Dr Aida Hurem from Griffith University’s GIER note that these findings align with long-standing research on the experiences of diverse learners in Australia.
Their own ARC-funded research, conducted in collaboration with Deakin University, focused on international high school students. It found that 40% of 225 surveyed students experienced racist behaviour online weekly, including both overt and covert acts. Student responses revealed distressing experiences, such as being asked if they eat dog or cat, and discomfort with casual racist jokes. One student even said they would feel happier “if I had new skin,” underscoring the deep emotional impact of these experiences.
Dr Hurem emphasises that racism affects students’ sense of belonging and social connectedness, and that schools need expert support to address these issues effectively. She also notes that online racism often goes undetected, making it essential to educate families and trusted adults alongside school staff.
Professor Rowan argues that current education policy tends to prioritise subject content and testing regimes, leaving little room for teacher training in areas like anti-racism, sexism, homophobia, and ableism. She stresses that schools can play a transformative role in changing culture, but this requires time, resources, and investment in inclusive education. Ultimately, the article calls for a national commitment to building school environments where all students feel safe, valued, and included.
GIER researcher response on report on racism in Australian schools
The article discusses recent findings on racism in Australian schools, particularly highlighting a survey reported by ABC journalist Mary Lloyd, which found that 91% of African-Australian respondents had experienced racism in school settings. Professor Leonie Rowan and Dr Aida Hurem from Griffith University’s GIER note that these findings align with long-standing research on the experiences of diverse learners in Australia.
Their own ARC-funded research, conducted in collaboration with Deakin University, focused on international high school students. It found that 40% of 225 surveyed students experienced racist behaviour online weekly, including both overt and covert acts. Student responses revealed distressing experiences, such as being asked if they eat dog or cat, and discomfort with casual racist jokes. One student even said they would feel happier “if I had new skin,” underscoring the deep emotional impact of these experiences.
Dr Hurem emphasises that racism affects students’ sense of belonging and social connectedness, and that schools need expert support to address these issues effectively. She also notes that online racism often goes undetected, making it essential to educate families and trusted adults alongside school staff.
Professor Rowan argues that current education policy tends to prioritise subject content and testing regimes, leaving little room for teacher training in areas like anti-racism, sexism, homophobia, and ableism. She stresses that schools can play a transformative role in changing culture, but this requires time, resources, and investment in inclusive education. Ultimately, the article calls for a national commitment to building school environments where all students feel safe, valued, and included.
Publication Date
Categories
Resource type
Organisations
Authors