RACE
DISCRIMINATION
Racial discrimination is against the law. It is a criminal offence to discriminate against people because of their race, colour or ethnic nationality. It is also illegal to incite racial hatred. This includes the publication and distribution of written or visual material.
The grieving process
The 1976 Race Relations Act makes it unlawful to discriminate against people because of their racial, ethnic or national origins. For example, if someone stops you applying for a job or won’t let you rent a flat or buy a drink in a pub because you are Black this is blatantly unfair. Discrimination of this kind is called direct discrimination.
The same law applies if anyone makes up unnecessary rules which discriminate against a group of people. For example, if an employer insists on women employees wearing skirts it is unfair on women whose cultural and religious traditions mean they wish to wear trousers. This is called indirect discrimination as it is a less obvious way of discriminating against people.
The difficulty is often to bring the charges against someone. Bringing a case to court or to an industrial tribunal on the grounds of racial discrimination is not easy. Some people have criticised the laws on race discrimination because there are so few people successfully sued or convicted. The Race Relations Act also says that if a person bringing a case of racial discrimination is later treated unfairly for doing so, then this is victimisation.
Victimisation of this kind
is unlawful
People who stir up racial hatred by using abusive language or threatening behaviour, or who publish racist material, can also be charged under the Race Relations Act. This is an area which some people feel is not taken seriously enough by the police. Government proposals currently under discussion include longer sentences for assaults where there is a proven racial motive. For more information on race attacks, including support organisations, see the section on Race attacks.
It takes a lot of courage to stand up against racial discrimination, especially if your job is at stake. It’s often what other people think and do which affects you most, no matter what the law says. If you or someone you know is being treated unfairly because of their race, the first step is to talk to someone you trust and get advice and support.
If you feel you can talk to someone such as a teacher, supervisor or trade union official about it, then go to them and ask what they can do about it. If you can’t go to them or they don’t support you, there are other people who are trained to help you in this situation. Go to your local Race Equality Council for advice. The Commission for Racial Equality can put you in touch with your nearest Race Equality Council.
Race discrimination in school
Schools have a responsibility to maintain an environment which gives respect and opportunity to all members. Everyone should have the opportunity to learn in a welcoming and positive environment and many schools have policies on racial harassment and violence.
In reality, racism is a serious problem still in schools and if you are being victimised you should talk to your parents, to a youth worker, or someone you trust who can identify with your situation. If you can, talk to your teacher or another member of staff that you trust.
If your teacher is the source of the problem then you may want to talk to the head teacher.
This may be difficult to do as well. You can call the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) who will tell you where your nearest Race Equality Council is. Someone there will be able to give you advice and support. If you feel the issue is not being taken seriously enough at the school, you should make a complaint to the governors or the local education authority.
It is a good idea to write down the details of the incident or incidents soon after they happen, so you have a record. This should include who, what, when, where, how and why the incident occurred.
Racism in Sport
Racist taunts on football terraces have long cast a shadow over the ‘nation’s game’. Show Racism the Red Card is a new organisation whose aim is to completely eradicate racism in the game.
They believe that there are lots of different reasons for racism existing in society and they also state that racism grows through ignorance and stupidity.
The organisation is well supported by football stars, managers and team coaches. If you would like to get involved, contact them at the address listed. LS
Organisations
BLINK - Black Information Link
BLINK aims to bring about improvements in race relations. Their website includes the Black Youth Charter and links to the 1990 Trust. This Charter has been written by the National Black Youth Forum (NBYF) on behalf of all Black young people in the UK.
Telephone: 020 7582 1990
Address: The 1990 Trust, Suite 12 Winchester House, 9 Cranmer Road, London, SW9 6EJ.
Fax: 020 7735 9011
Email: blink1990@gn.apc.org
Website: www.blink.org.uk/
Britkid
This website is about race and racism. It is intended as an educational tool for use mainly in areas where young people do not have frequent contact with minority ethnic groups.
Website: www.britkid.org/
Commission for Racial Equality
The Commission for Racial Equality aims to work towards the elimination of racial discrimination and promote equality of opportunity and good inter-relationships between people of differing ethnic groups.
Helpline: 020 7932 5360
Telephone: 020 7939 0000
Address: St Dunstan’s House, 201-211 Borough High Street, London, SE1 1GZ.
Fax: 020 7939 0001
Email: info@cre.gov.uk
Website: www.cre.gov.uk/
Kick it Out (KIO)
Kick it Out is football’s anti-racism campaign. Let’s Kick Racism Out of Football was established in 1993 by the Commission for Racial Equality and the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) and works throughout football, education and community sectors to challenge racism and work towards positive change.
Telephone: 020 7684 4884
Address: PO Box 29544, London, EC2A 4WR.
Fax: 020 7684 4885
Email: info@kickitout.org
Website: www.kickitout.org/
Me Too
Me Too is an educational charity seeking to challenge violence against minorities and attempts to intimidate any such ethnic, social, or religious groups on account of their beliefs, origins, or lifestyle. The organisation grew out of the public reaction to the bombings in London in 1999.
Telephone: 020 7367 0523
Address: Ferroners House, Shaftesbury Place, off Aldersgate Street, London, EC2Y 8AA.
Fax: 020 7367 0501
Email: info@metoo.org.uk
Website: www.metoo.org.uk/
National Black Youth Forum
The National Black Youth Forum is a national network of children and young people of Asian, African and Caribbean heritage. It encompasses the 12 - 25 age range and the organisation is run for and by these young people.
The aim of the organisation is to raise awareness about black young people’s rights, how to access them and have them protected. They have written the Black Youth Charter in which over 200 Black youth groups from around the UK have contributed. It is dedicated to all young people who have died through racist attacks and is available to order by email.
Address: PO Box 139, East Oxford DO, Oxford, OX4 1FT.
Email: infodesk@nationalblackyouthforum.org.uk
Website: www.nbyf.org/
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