Tackling racism in schools

Brexit brought with it an unwanted rise in hate crime across our country.

With immigration and border control forming part of the main concerns of our membership of the EU, it was inevitable that tensions would rise during the campaign.

In the months following the Brexit vote, the number of hate crimes recorded by regional police forces rose by up to 100%. Closer to home, the figures in force areas weren’t the worst in the land, but they were still cause for concern. Northumbria was up 48%, while Durham rose 16%.

A report out this week, however, will heap more concern on the public.

An investigation by the Times Educational Supplement reveals that the racism and hate crime on our streets has moved into the classroom.

In the month before the referendum, there was an 89% hike in hate crime and incidents reported by police in schools.

On top of that, there is anecdotal evidence that a significant number of teachers have seen a rise in hate crime or speech and associated bullying in schools.

A spokesman for the Anne Frank Trust charity, that runs schemes tackling prejudice among young people says “Language that we might consider to be either racist or prejudiced has become more normal and more accepted recently.”

Following the rise in hate crimes, ministers launched a new action plan to tackle hate crime.

A call has been made to produce updated guidance for all schools.

These are young impressionable minds. On the evidence of the new figures, whoever wins June’s election, should make tackling hate crime in schools a priority.