Anti-racist drive is different class

THIS year is unlikely to be looked upon fondly by generations to come.

So far we’ve seen a pandemic kill more than a million people around the world.

Then there is the terrible economic recession caused by the health crisis, with countless jobs lost.

But at least 2020 can be remembered as a year when many countries decided enough was enough when it came to racism.

Aside from the protests seen around the world prompted by the death of George Floyd, there are many anti-racist initiatives being started closer to home.

Among those making a difference is Congolese single mum Debora Kayembe.

She fled her home to seek refuge in the UK, eventually settling in Midlothian.

But last year she was forced to move after suffering racist abuse from locals.

Rather than lying low, Debora has chosen to stand her ground. In March, she launched a petition calling for more anti-racism education in the classroom.

Debora believes schools in Scotland need to teach race issues differently.

The petition amassed more than 300 signatures and has been submitted to Holyrood’s public petitions committee. This campaign deserves support. Ignorance is no excuse for racism. But educating the next generation on why racism is simply unacceptable is something everyone can agree is absolutely essential.