The NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union has
written to the education ministers of England, Wales, Scotland
and Northern Ireland, calling on them to extend the Coronavirus
guidance that has already been issued to schools to address
racist incidents related to coronavirus.
This follows an increase in the number of incidents reported to
the NASUWT in recent weeks of members from black and minority
ethnic backgrounds being subjected to “jokes” banter, racist
name-calling and intimidation.
In one instance groups of pupils were engaged in
game-playing including an unsavoury game of tag named after the
Coronavirus.
Chris Keates, Acting General Secretary of the
NASUWT, said:
“The NASUWT is extremely concerned at the
extent of increased incidences of abuse, prejudice, xenophobia
and racism as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
“Misinformation and false reporting about the coronavirus,
its causes and how it is spread have fuelled fear and panic and
in some cases led to the ostracising of people of East Asian
heritage and others perceived to be ‘foreign’ or an ‘immigrant’
within the UK.
“Unfortunately, schools and colleges are not
exempt from the associated xenophobic and racialised stereotyping
of Chinese and other East Asian people. The NASUWT has received
reports of increased covert and overt racial attacks perpetrated
against some minority ethnic pupils and NASUWT members linked to
coronavirus concerns.
“The NASUWT is urging the Department for Education to
communicate with schools and provide guidance and support for
school leaders.”
The full letters can be viewed on the NASUWT
website.
