The recent racist attack at Thomas Knyvett College has once again brought the issue of institutional racism in education to the forefront of public discourse. The incident, in which a student was subjected to racial slurs and horrendous physical violence by other students and adults outside the school, highlighting a systemic and societal failure in the way in which schools, colleges and universities address racism. 

The Acceptance of Racism

One of the most concerning aspects of this attack was the lack of concern shown by any of the bystanders. Instead of intervening to stop the abuse, individuals chose to watch and even film the incident, adding to the victim’s trauma and further perpetuating the toxic culture of racism that we see in education and in society. This not only raises questions about the values that are being taught in our schools, and whether staff and students are being equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to stand up against racism and discrimination. 

For example, instead of using the mobile phone to record and share the incident, it could have been used to make an emergency call to the police. Similarly, it’s important to understand the footage being recorded (should) be used as evidence of this racist attack. 

The response of the staff is also shocking at Thomas Knyvett College. Most notably the head teacher, Richard Beeson, whose competency leaves much to be desired in this case. The staff and head teachers’ slow-to-no reaction and lack of empathy for the victim only serves to reinforce the institutional racism that exists within the educational system. In a time where it is crucial for schools and colleges to take a stand against racism, the failure of the staff to provide a safe and inclusive environment for all students is unacceptable.

Furthermore, the willingness and acceptance of “adults” (a term we use lightly here) to not only allow this abuse to happen, but to get involved also points to a larger problem with the way in which racism is perceived and treated in our society. From the school staff to the bystanders, the lack of action to stop the racist attack suggests that many people still view racism as a minor issue, or even see it as acceptable.

It also demonstrates the reasons why billions of people say the three words …

“Black Lives Matter”.

It is imperative that we start to address the issue of institutional racism in education head-on, and make it a priority to provide safe and inclusive environments for all students. This requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including schools, colleges, universities, government, and wider society, to ensure that all students have equal access to education, and are protected from racism and discrimination.

Police Response to Thomas Knyvett College 

While the incident itself is deeply troubling, it could be argued that, like with many issues of racism, it took public outrage to spark action from the police, highlighting a concerning reality.

Question… If the incident had not gone viral, do you think the perpetrators would have been arrested, let alone receive a potential punishment?

More often than not, what happens with racism in education is the perpetrators go unpunished, and the victim is left being gaslit, as well as suffering in silence.

With the incident occurring on Feb 6th 2023, and it is unclear how long it took for the news to spread. However, it wasn’t until the video of the attack went viral on social media that the public became aware of the horrific events that took place at Thomas Knyvett College. The video generated widespread outrage and sparked a conversation about the need for action to be taken to address institutional racism in education.

Following the public outcry that the police made arrests in relation to the attack on Feb 8th 2023. This highlights the fact that without public pressure and outrage, is there an unwillingness on the part of all authorities to take action? The fact that it took the collective voice of the public to support the victim is unacceptable and underscores the need for systemic change in the way that the police and wider society respond to incidents of racism. Particularly when it’s recorded for all to see.

It highlights the need for systemic change in the way that the police and wider society respond to incidents of racism, and the importance of speaking out and demanding justice when we witness or hear about such incidents.

Response To Racism

The recent racist attack at Thomas Knyvett College is a prime example of why there is also an urgent need for anti-racism training in schools for both staff and students. The incident highlights the systemic failure of schools to address and prevent racist behaviour, and underscores the importance of creating inclusive and safe environments for all students.

The lack of intervention by the staff and the willingness of bystanders to watch and film the abuse, rather than taking action to stop it, highlights the need for anti-racism training for students. This training should equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to stand up against racism and discrimination without putting themselves in harm’s way, but instilling a culture of “safety in number” which in turn creates a place for inclusivity in the school environment.

Race Awareness Training

The slow response and lack of empathy shown by the staff and the senior leadership team in the Thomas Knyvett College incident highlights the need for race awareness training, and the importance of ensuring that school staff are equipped to effectively respond to incidents of racism. Which is why it’s crucial for school staff to receive race awareness and anti-racism training. To equip teachers and other school staff with the knowledge and skills they need to address and prevent racist behaviour, and provide a safe and inclusive environment for all students. 

Furthermore, anti-racism training can help to break down the institutional barriers that perpetuate racist behaviour and discrimination. By raising awareness and promoting inclusivity, schools can play a critical role in promoting a more equitable and just society.

The benefits of anti-racism training and diversity consulting in the context of the recent racist attack at Thomas Knyvett College cannot be overstated. Such training and consulting can play a critical role in preventing incidents of racist behaviour and creating inclusive environments in schools and other institutions.

Now, if the staff at Thomas Knyvett College had received appropriate anti-racism training and diversity and inclusion consulting, it is highly likely that the situation would have played out differently. Not that the racist attack wouldn’t have occurred, but staff would have been better equipped to address the behaviour prior to the incident, and provide support to the victim in the immediacy of it occurring. They would also have been able to intervene in a timely and appropriate manner, and help to create a safe environment for the victim.

Furthermore, it is important to recognise that in order to effectively combat racism, those who commit such acts must be held accountable for their actions. In the case of Thomas Knyvett College, the head teacher failed to respond appropriately to the incident, it could be considered an act of gross misconduct, in that he did not safeguard the victim, allowed the incident to occur, and as such damaged the victim’s well-being and employer’s/schools “reputation”.

Accountability at Thomas Knyvett College

In addition to holding the head teacher accountable, it is also important to hold the student and adult perpetrators of the racist attack accountable through policing , as well as the school’s policies and procedures, regardless of their age. This will help to set a clear precedent that such behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

It is time for everyone to take a stand, and work towards creating a place where all students can feel safe, valued, and respected, regardless of their race or ethnicity. It highlights the need for systemic change in the way that schools and wider society respond to incidents of racism, and the importance of speaking out and demanding justice when we witness or hear about such incidents. 

Summary

The racist attack at Thomas Knyvett College also highlights the urgent need for anti-racism training in schools for staff. This training can help to create a culture of inclusivity in schools, and equip students and staff with the knowledge and skills they need to stand up against racism and discrimination.

By advancing awareness in anti-racism and diversity and inclusion it will begin to play a critical role in weeding out incidents of racist behaviour and creating inclusive environments in schools and other educational institutions. By investing in these initiatives, we can help to create a world where all people are treated with dignity and respect, and where those who commit acts of racism are held accountable for their actions. Only by coming together and standing up against racism can we create a world where all people are treated with dignity and respect.