Course:EDCP333/racism/Do's and Dont's

Some Do's and Dont's

Research has shown that there are several 'Do's and Dont's' that, when applied in the classroom context, make dealing with issues of race and racism easier and smoother.

DO’s
Do deal with the situation immediately.
Do confirm that the particular type of abuse if hurtful and harmful and will not be tolerated.
Do value the feelings of others by active, sensitive listening.
Do take steps to support the victim and enable him or her to develop a stronger sense of self.
Do take those involved aside to discuss the incident.
Do explain to students why such incidents occur and undertake ongoing, long-term (pro-active) strategies with the class for combating stereotyping, prejudice, and negative attitudes to differences.
Do apply consequences to the attacker in accordance with the school rules, code of behaviour, and race/ethnocultural relations policy.

DON’Ts
Don’t ignore it, let it pass unchallenged, or let intangible fears block your ability to act.
Don’t overreact with another put down of the offender.
Don’t impose consequences before finding out exactly what happened from those involved.
Don’t focus entirely on applying consequences to the offender while ignoring the feelings of the victim.
Don’t embarrass either party publicly.
Don’t assume that the incident is an isolated occurrence divorced from the overall context in which it occurred.
Don’t humiliate the attacker when imposing consequences. Remember that the attacker may feel like a victim too.

• Reprinted from Unity in Diversity: A Curriculum Resource Guide for Ethnocultural Equity and Anti-racist Education, Ontario Ministry of Education, April, 1991.