Strategies to Combat Racial Discrimination in Schools

Stand up for yourself. Do not be afraid to stand up for yourself (or for a friend or even a stranger) when faced with bullying related to racial discrimination. Bullying involving racism often continues because the bully perceives that the victim will not defend themselves or fight back. Put an end to this by speaking up!

• You do not need to be cruel; simply show them that you will not allow such criticism to continue. You can say, 'Why would you say something like that?' or 'What you said is truly hurtful.'
• If someone being bullied sees you standing up for yourself, you may inspire them to do the same.

Use knowledge to counterattack. When someone makes a racially discriminatory remark towards you, be the one to have the final say and make it count. Responding with knowledge can be empowering and allows you to use information as your strength. If someone makes a prejudiced comment, reply with facts, truths, or statistics that can help educate those who may not fully understand the impact of their words.

• Some criticisms stem from ignorance, but words can still hurt. You might say, 'When you belittle indigenous people, you’re making the mistake of assuming they are inferior to you.'
• You could also respond with, 'When you say Asians are only good at math, you’re generalizing, and that’s unfair to them.'

Respond with humor. While you may despise a discriminatory remark, approaching the situation with a lighter yet pointed tone can be effective. Humor is a great way to address the issue casually while still emphasizing that the comment is inappropriate.

• If someone mocks an immigrant’s accent, you could say, 'Hey, are you counting your second or third language in that?'

Confront microaggressions. Microaggressions are subtle yet divisive actions that can deeply affect how others feel. While they may not be as loud as shouting across a room, they can be just as harmful. Be aware of when you or your friends engage in any racially charged microaggressions, and remember to speak up. Often, microaggressions are not intended to hurt, but they still have a negative impact.

• Microaggressions can be as simple as refusing to touch someone of a different race.
• If you see someone making a face at someone of another race, you might say, 'What’s that about? Just because they’re from a different background doesn’t mean they’re different.'
• If you ask about someone’s 'real' heritage, this is a form of microaggression. If you’re curious about their family background, say, 'I’d love to know if you’ve inherited any traditions and learn more about your ancestry.'

Report offenses. If you’re experiencing prejudice, racism, or discrimination, document the evidence and report it to the appropriate authorities (such as teachers, deans, principals, or the police). This is a necessary step to ensure that such behavior doesn’t go unnoticed and that everyone is aware and taking action. You need to make it clear that this kind of behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

Join or initiate a diverse organization. You might not be the only one in school who feels overlooked due to your race. Even if you're the only Korean student, there are likely others from minority groups like Laos, Croatia, or Ecuador. Consider starting a club or group dedicated to students from various ethnic backgrounds. Unite those who feel different, including supporters of inclusion and diversity, by connecting with others who share similar experiences. This can help form a unique group identity.

Advocate for racial discrimination education in schools. Educating about racism is crucial as it helps students understand its impact, how it harms others, and ways to combat it. You can request teachers or even the principal to include lessons on racial discrimination in the curriculum. There are numerous books and lectures available on this topic.

Organize a multicultural history celebration at school. Encourage your school to honor the history of various cultures. While many know about Mexico's Dia de los Muertos, fewer are aware of Peru's Quyllur R'iti, Ghana's Aboakyir Festival, or China's Qingming Festival. Celebrating these can be both enjoyable and educational, offering insights into different histories, customs, and cultures.

Request your school to announce inclusion and zero-tolerance policies. If your school lacks a code of conduct or such policies, encourage teachers and administrators to establish them. Clear guidelines on racial discrimination and interpersonal behavior on campus are essential.

Discuss race openly. Ignoring racial issues won't make them disappear. While it might be uncomfortable, gather friends and classmates for an honest conversation about racism, its manifestations, and its impact on your school. Such discussions foster understanding and tolerance.

Become an ally. If you see a friend from another country treated unfairly, use your position in the majority to help. Being an ally means leveraging your privilege to support others facing discrimination.

Build international friendships. Start a school club to encourage friendships with students from different countries. Many schools participate in such programs. Ask teachers and administrators to help connect you with international students.

Educate yourself. Immerse yourself in cultural diversity. Racism often stems from ignorance. Learn about celebrations like Kwanzaa, Ramadan, and Lunar New Year. Read books and watch films about life in other countries. Engage with classmates from different backgrounds and ask respectful questions about their cultures.