MYAN is dedicated to advocating for the rights and interests of multicultural young people including those from refugee and migrant backgrounds. Feedback from young people, MYAN’s state and territory partner organisations, and other stakeholders across Australia reveals growing concerns about racism and discrimination in educational settings, with racism in schools identified as one of the most pressing national advocacy priorities for 2025.
A key theme to emerge from our work is the lack of consistency across states in responding to racism, underscoring the need for a national framework to ensure targeted, coordinated action across the country.
While anti-bullying policies play a vital role in protecting students, distinct anti-racism policies are essential for addressing the specific challenges and impacts of racism. Understanding the differences between bullying and racial discrimination is crucial for effectively addressing these issues in educational settings. While both are harmful behaviours that can negatively impact students, their root causes, manifestations, and implications differ significantly.
In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the pervasive impact of racism in educational settings and its detrimental effects on young people. While many schools have comprehensive antibullying policies in place, the unique nature and consequences of racism necessitate distinct antiracism policies in Australian schools. Despite various initiatives, racism remains a significant issue, necessitating a thorough national examination. Racism in Australian schools is evident in systemic, interpersonal, and internalised forms, reflecting broader historical inequalities and contemporary societal attitudes.
Racism is a deeply ingrained societal issue that goes beyond the scope of general bullying. It often involves systemic discrimination based on race, ethnicity, or cultural background, which can manifest in both overt and subtle forms. Anti-racism policies specifically target these issues, addressing the unique ways racism can affect students and ensuring that all racial and ethnic identities are respected and protected.
