Anti-racist education is important because racism and racist beliefs continue to exist in Scotland. The background to racism in Britain lies in history. During the time of the British Empire, theories that people could be divided into 'racial' groups linked to ethnicity became popular. These theories, although untrue, made it easier for Britain to downplay the brutality of slavery and colonisation. 'Other races' were portrayed as inferior and in need of 'help' from Britain. This influenced the racial stereotypes we see today, where Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) people are often treated as though they are 'different' in comparison to the 'normal' white Scottish community. This sense of difference underpins racism. 

Racial prejudice can be obvious or hidden. Sometimes the people who hold this prejudice lack the knowledge they need to recognise it in themselves. Someone doesn't have to feel particularly hostile towards people from a BME background in order to have racist attitudes or to act in a racist way. Racism has persisted for so long, and is so tied up with the way society and organisations operate, that it has become embedded across all areas of life in nations like Scotland. We can see its impact through continuing racial inequalities in areas such as employment, income and housing. 

For example, research shows that, in Scotland, 1 in 10 people believe that some so-called ‘races’ are born less intelligent than others. And, sadly, children and young people in your school or nursery will have experienced racism or witnessed friends and family members experience racism. Anti-racist education is a proactive approach to preventing racism, racial prejudice and racist incidents. 

Anti-racist education helps children to understand and exercise their rights. It also helps them respect the rights of others within the school, the wider community and globally. Anti-racist education supports the development of the four capacities in Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence framework (successful learner, confident individual, responsible citizen and effective contributor).  

Anti-racist education is for all learners, whether living in one of Scotland’s cities or in a small rural community. Anti-racist education is equally important for white majority ethnic Scottish children and young people. This learning can improve social cohesion in wider society. 

Anti-racist education can contribute to wider strategies schools and settings take to increase the ethnic diversity of staff and of the people they work with. In addition, it can help schools and local authorities meet their Public Sector Equality Duty under the Equality Act (2010). As part of this, public organisations have the duty to eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation of people with protected characteristics, including race; to advance equality of opportunity; and to foster good relations. 

The Scottish Government established the Anti-Racism in Education Programme of work to support the development of anti-racist education across Scotland.