Racism and discrimination have no place in schools and classrooms

What can schools do to overcome exclusion, intolerance, racism and discrimination? How can teachers and students advocate for mutual understanding and respect of human dignity?

In its recent resolution on eliminating racism, the United Nations General Assembly reiterated that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights and have the potential to contribute constructively to the development and well-being of their societies.

In many parts of the world, such racial, ethnic, and religious discriminatory practices are still widespread. They take on many forms, at times dramatically brutal and at others sly and underhand. It is detrimental to group and individual identity and to living together peacefully.

Promoting mutual understanding and respect for diversity, along with countering all forms of intolerance and discrimination, is today, more than ever, a priority for UNESCO and UNESCO associated Schools Network (ASPnet). The Sustainable Development Goal 10 calls for reducing inequalities based on age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

The attitudes and tensions that lead to racism or other types of discriminatory practices are often deeply rooted in stereotypes and misconceptions, and one of the most pressing contemporary challenges is to promote knowledge about, and understanding of, different cultures.

For many years, ASPnet schools have initiated and implemented projects and activities to promote a culture of living together and international understanding that cherishes diversity. One such project is the arts contest "Opening Hearts and Minds to Refugees", which raised awareness among children and youth on the rights of, and respect for refugees. Another is the development of a guidebook and trainings for teachers to incorporate documentary heritage as a teaching and learning resource for primary, secondary and tertiary schools.

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination represents an important reminder to increase efforts against racism and all forms of discrimination and to promote tolerance, inclusion, unity and respect for diversity fostering peace and social cohesion.

Ideas for action for teachers and students:

• Celebrate the day in your school by conducting different activities.

• Design posters or an anti-racism badge.

• Research about women and men in the history of your country or in the world which have stood up against racism and discrimination

• Set up a multi-cultural desk in the classroom where students bring in something that reflects cultural diversity.

Resources

What is Bullying?

To cause physical harm to a student, damaging a student’s property or placing a student in reasonable fear of harm or actions resulting in an intimidating, threatening or abusive environment for a student.

Engaging in written or oral expression or physical conduct that Fort Worth ISD determines:

• to have the effect of physically harming a student, damaging a student’s property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person or of damage to the student’s property; or

• to be sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive enough that the action or threat creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive environment for a student.

Harassment of a student is defined as physical, verbal or nonverbal conduct based on the student's race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or any other basis prohibited by law that is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that the conduct:

• Affects a student's ability to participate in or benefit from an educational program or activity, or creates an intimidating, threatening, hostile or offensive educational environment;

• Has the purpose or effect of substantially or unreasonably interfering with the student's academic performance; or

• Otherwise adversely affects the student's educational opportunities.

Schools, parents and students must work together to address bullying.

ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND OTHER DRUGS

• The use of alcohol tobacco or other illegal substances place a young person at great risk physically, emotionally and legally.
  Simple tips for parents and other interested adults:

  • Set rules with clear consequences

  • Praise and reward good behavior for compliance and enforce consequences for non-compliance.

  • Know where your teen is and what he or she will be doing during unsupervised time.

  • Talk to your teen- find out more about school, their friends and interests.

  • Keep teens engaged in after school activities or programs.

  • Discuss your core values and expectations with your teen.

  • Spend time together as a family regularly and be involved in your kid's lives.

  • Learn the facts about marijuana, underage drinking and other drug use so you are able to talk to your teen about the harmful effects

  • Get to know your teen’s friends and their parents.

  • Stay in touch with the adult involved in your teen’s life (coaches, employers, teachers) and ask them to let you know of any changes in your teen.

• It is also important to be aware of potential signs of substance abuse.

  • Changes in friends

  • Negative changes in schoolwork, truancy, or declining grades

  • Increased secrecy about possessions, activities and friends

  • Use of incense or room deodorizer to hide smoke or other odors

  • Change in clothing choices and or clothes that highlight drug use

  • Need to borrow money, missing money or unapproved ATM withdrawals

  • Evidences of drug paraphernalia such as pipes, rolling papers, etc. or inhalant products (common household products, rags and paper bags)

  • Use of eye drops to cover up bloodshot eyes or use of mouthwash or breath mints to cover up alcohol

  • Missing prescription drugs - especially narcotics and mood stabilizers.

Suicide can often be the tragic end to extreme sadness, feelings of hopelessness and loneliness. Did you know that:

• Suicide is the third leading cause of death for young people.

• Boys successfully complete suicide more often than girls, but girls have more attempts.

• 1 in 6 high school students experience thoughts of suicide

• 1 in 11 has made a suicide attempt in the last 12 months

Signs of Suicide

If a young person has been depressed, look closely for possible signs of suicide:

• Dramatic personality change

• Problems with relationships

• Deterioration of schoolwork

• Problems concentrating or focusing

• Acting in a rebellious manner or engaging in more risky behavior

• Stressful life events such as interpersonal losses, legal or disciplinary crisis or changes for which the teen feel unprepared to cope

• Running away from home

• Abusing drugs and/or alcohol

• Changes in eating or sleeping patterns

• Changes in appearance

• Giving away prized possessions

• Writing notes or poems about death

• Talking about suicide, even in a joking manner

• Previous suicide attempts

If you suspect that a teenager might be thinking about suicide, do not remain silent. Never agree to keep that information secret. Suicide is preventable, but you must act quickly.

What to do

• Ask about it. Don't be afraid to say the word "suicide." Getting the word out in the open may help the student think someone has heard the cries for help.

• Reassure him/her that you care and remind them that no matter how difficult the problems seem, they can be worked out, and you are willing to help.

• Ask him/her to talk about her feelings. Listen carefully and do not judge or dismiss the his/her problems or get angry.

• Ensure that the young person is never left alone.

The student can be taken to the Student Support Services person on the school campus (school counselor, intervention specialist or LSSP). In accordance with the FWISD Safety Management Procedures Manual, this individual will conduct a suicide risk assessment and take action based on level of risk.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline