Young anti-racist voices of Scotland: Diversity and culture days
Cultural diversity days and events organised by children, young people, educators and anti-racist clubs can be very powerful and meaningful anti-racist actions. However, these can sometimes be perceived as tokenistic and harmful.
Youth Ambassadors Advice
The Scottish Government’s Anti-Racism in Education Programme asked Youth Ambassadors with lived experience of racism:
“How do we make sure diversity and culture days aren’t just for show?”
They said:
“We are concerned that schools might be embedding anti-racism in a tokenistic way by having one-time lessons or events in which diversity and cultures are celebrated.”
“School staff should be trained on what to do if there is a potential backlash with these diversity activities as events like these could spark more racist attacks in school and put black students and students of colour in really uncomfortable or unsafe situations.”
“Teachers should refrain from encouraging students to take part in an activity solely because it is a part of that students’ culture or background. Participation from students should be voluntary and because they genuinely want to.”
“Schools could have more diversity activities, an example of this would be culture day or celebrating Chinese New Year or Eid so that people can be a part of this celebration and be more accepting of each other.”
“We recommend that young people are told about these diversity activities and events well in advance so that nobody feels uncomfortable.”
“We recommend that schools are given more time and space to do this so that it doesn’t become tokenistic.”
“Diversity and culture Days can be fun and engaging, but can also often be done in a tick-the-box kind of way. We recommend ensuring anti-racism is brought across all areas of the curriculum instead of these big one-time events”.
Anti-Racist Clubs Network
The Anti-Racist Clubs Network of educators across Scotland has often discussed the challenges of organising meaningful cultural diversity events. These are some of the suggestions shared by network members:
Explore sensitivities beforehand with groups. For example, by considering what's the difference between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation.
Consider how you could communicate your awareness of sensitivities and the rationale for the events with those who aren't members of your anti-racist group. For example, to other pupils, staff, families and wider community members.
The CRER Black History Month page is a good example of this, where they explain it's one month but it requires change all year round.
Consider how you could welcome constructive feedback from those participating in the events (e.g. anonymous surveys on how the event felt. For example, was it cultural appropriation or appreciation, tokenism or meaningful change. Learn from reflections and allow them to inform future actions.
Being open and transparent of your learning in the future is a solid foundation for an anti-racist culture and ethos.
Are there any community partnerships that could help make the event more authentic and meaningful?
Educators can sign up to the Anti-Racist Clubs Network.
Case studies
The All About Leith Anti-Racism Project is an example of an alternative exploration of the diverse histories of the local area.
The Anti-Racist Curriculum Principles Case Study illustrates the power of everyday interactions in creating a sense of belonging.
