The Normalcy of Racism in the School Experience of Students of Colour: "The Times When it Hurts"

Abstract

The paper focuses on racism in Scottish schools drawing on data from focus groups with secondary students of colour. The study explores racial inequity in schools through students’ reflections on enactments of bias and privilege. Findings demonstrate that 1) students of colour experience racism but race is being ignored or deflected in their interactions in schools; 2) students feel discriminated against due to race; and 3) they do not feel that they are heard and supported by their school. Employing a Critical Race Theory (CRT) perspective, the article argues for the necessity of race talk in schools and the need for student voice. The study concludes with implications for teachers, research, and educational policy, and suggestions for more explicit focus on race in the classrooms, curriculum and policies.