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

Citation

Kennelly J & Mouroutsou S (2020) The Normalcy of Racism in the School Experience of Students of Colour: "The Times When it Hurts". Scottish Educational Review, 52 (2), pp. 26-47.

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.

Keywords
Critical Race Theory; students of colour; racism; Scotland; White Privilege; race and education

Journal
Scottish Educational Review: Volume 52, Issue 2

People

Dr Stella Mouroutsou

Lecturer in Education, Education