Exploring Racial Bias and Racism in Australian Schools

This research explores racism and racial bias in Australian School contexts, with a particular focus on understanding these issues through the eyes of students.

The first phase of this project examined what we currently know about racial bias and racism in Australian Schools. The results revealed that students are in need of educative and age appropriate discussions about racial issues. However, teachers and parents are avoiding these conversations.

The next phase of the project will examine students' level of racial bias, how they conceptualise race, and how this ties into their sense of school belonging. This will help build an understanding of how school contexts contribute to the development of racial bias in students, and subsequently how they can intervene and reduce racial bias in children. This research will have implications for policy, practice and research, ultimately helping to build more inclusive and equitable classrooms for all Australian students, regardless of their race or ethnicity.