Over the last four years there were 67 recorded suspensions due to incidents of racism in Guernsey’s States secondary schools, and a further four suspensions in primary schools. Some pupils were involved in more than one incident.
No details were given about what sort of incidents occurred, and the data only covers States schools.
NASUWT general secretary Matt Wrack said it was right that schools were taking a strong stance when racist incidents occur.
‘We have seen reports from teachers of some increase in the number of pupils expressing far-right, racist and extremist views and rhetoric, often fuelled by online influencers and political leaders,’ he said.
‘This is not specific or unique to Guernsey.’
He added that generally many pupils and staff members in schools lacked confidence to report racist incidents due to a fear that no effective action will be taken, or that they would be blamed or accused of overreacting.
The Education Committee was keen to promote tolerance and understanding in schools, with its curriculum designed to promote respect, equality and inclusion, said a spokesman.
‘There is a strong focus on preventing racism in PSHE, geography and English. Each key stage builds on these principles in age-appropriate ways.’
For younger children this involves teaching about respect and kindness, and recognising that families and backgrounds may differ.
For teenagers, the curriculum looks at challenging prejudice-based language and behaviour both online and offline, and promoting inclusion.
The spokesman said that suspensions were a very serious matter.
‘It occurs when the headteacher of a school, after careful consideration, decides that a learner is not to attend school because of their behaviour,’ he said.
‘The purpose of a suspension is to provide a consequence for behaviour that challenges the safety and security of any learner or staff member, but it is also an opportunity to ensure support strategies can be put in place and lessons are learnt to prevent suspension occurring again.’
The mix of nationalities in local schools has changed markedly in recent years. In 2014, of those children the States knew the birthplace of, nearly 5% of children were born in Portugal or Latvia, and a further 3.3% outside Europe. By 2023 that had changed to less than 4% from Portugal and Latvia and 7% from outside Europe.
The recent police annual reports record that at least a couple of crimes involving racial hatred each year, with a spike of eight cases in 2023.
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