How to Respond to Racist Comments at School
In the video, I talk about being teased because of my race. I know how a comment can stay with someone after everyone else has moved on, so in class I want the student to see one thing from the teacher: we heard it, and we are going to deal with it.
Stop the comment without making the student explain it
Keep your words calm and direct: “Stop there. We do not make comments about someone’s race in this classroom.” If you cannot address it safely in front of the group, get help and tell the class you will return to it, then make sure you do.
Check in privately with the student affected: “I heard what was said. You do not have to explain it to me. What support would help right now?” Do not ask them to educate the class, reassure you that the comment was harmless or accept an apology before they are ready.
| TEACHER-READY TOOL Words for the moment, and the next conversation
Keep the first response short, then move to the school’s normal reporting and support process. · In class: “Stop there. That comment is about race, and it is not okay here.” · If the room is escalating: “We are pausing this conversation. I’ll follow up, and first I’m checking that everyone is okay.” · Privately with the student affected: “I heard what was said. You do not have to explain it to me. What support would help right now?” · Record the exact words as best you can, who was present, what you did, and who you reported it to, following school policy. · Name a follow-up adult and time; do not require the student to meet with, forgive or accept an apology from the other student. |
Follow the school’s process, even if it was called a joke
“I was joking” does not settle the impact or replace a response, though intent may be part of a later conversation. Record the words and context in the way your school requires, then tell the appropriate school leader or anti-racism contact where that role exists. Reporting routes differ, so use the behaviour and child-safety procedures that apply in your school and jurisdiction.
Victorian and NSW education guides advise staff to address racist bullying explicitly, use school procedures and check in with the student affected. When you speak separately with the student who made the comment, describe what was said and ask them to consider its impact; a joint restorative conversation is not the default and should never be forced on the student who was targeted.
Follow up after the class has moved on
Tell the student which adult is following up and when you will check back. Ask whether the behaviour has stopped and whether the support agreed is working. If it happens again, record that too and take it through the school’s process, because the boundary still matters after the class has moved on.
In a later class discussion, you can practise a calm way to challenge a racist comment, using a made-up example rather than asking the student affected to teach the group. Keep the learning with the class and the follow-up with the adults.
| For school-wide support, explore Eric’s Student Empowerment work. The free eBook, Get Equipped to Stop Bullying, shares five practical strategies for schools and teachers. Student Empowerment | Get Equipped to Stop Bullying |
Practical takeaways
- Set a calm, explicit boundary; do not dismiss the comment because it was called a joke.
- Check in privately without asking the student affected to educate the class.
- Record and report through the school’s current process and the right contact.
- Follow up with the student; restorative work is not automatic or compulsory.