Identification of a Racial Incident
This page supports school staff to recognise a potential racial incident, respond appropriately in the moment, and record initial information accurately. The aim is to support a consistent, proportionate and anti-racist response across Dumfries and Galloway schools.
What is a Racial Incident?
A racial incident is any incident which is perceived to be racist by the person experiencing the incident or by any other person.
Schools should take concerns seriously and avoid dismissing incidents solely because there may have been no intention to cause harm. The impact on the individual should always be considered.
Recognising a Racial Incident
Racial incidents can take many forms and may occur in person, online or through written communication.
- Racial slurs, insults or offensive language
- Mocking a person’s accent, language or nationality
- Discriminatory comments or stereotypes
- Excluding someone because of their ethnicity, race, nationality, religion or culture
- Online racist behaviour or abuse
- Graffiti, symbols or images intended to cause offence
- Repeated targeted behaviour linked to identity
Receiving a Disclosure
Children and young people may report incidents directly to staff, through parents or carers, through peers or by other means.
- Listen calmly and respectfully
- Take the concern seriously
- Reassure the pupil that they have done the right thing by reporting
- Avoid making assumptions or reaching conclusions prematurely
- Record key information accurately
- Consider any immediate wellbeing or safeguarding concerns
Immediate Safety and Wellbeing
- Is anyone at immediate risk?
- Does the pupil require support?
- Should pupils be separated temporarily?
- Does harmful online content need to be removed or reported?
- Are safeguarding procedures required?
Determining Whether the Incident May Be Racist
Not all incidents involving conflict or inappropriate behaviour are racial incidents. However, where there is any indication that race, ethnicity, nationality, culture, religion, language or identity may have been a factor, the matter should be explored further.
- Was the behaviour linked to race, ethnicity, nationality, culture, religion, language or identity?
- How was the behaviour perceived by those involved?
- Was harm caused?
- Is there evidence of prejudice, discrimination or hostility?
- Has similar behaviour occurred previously?
- Is there a wider pattern of behaviour?
Common Misconceptions
Intent does not remove the impact of racist behaviour. The impact on the person affected should always be considered.
Racist language or behaviour should not be dismissed as banter or humour.
The perception of the person affected, or any other person, should be taken seriously.
Understanding the Difference
Behaviour that may be offensive, insensitive or unacceptable but is not necessarily motivated by prejudice.
An incident perceived by the victim or any other person to be motivated by prejudice relating to a protected characteristic.
A criminal offence perceived to be motivated by prejudice relating to a protected characteristic. The decision as to whether an incident constitutes a hate crime rests with Police Scotland.
Potential Criminal Behaviour
- Violence or assault
- Threats of violence
- Serious harassment
- Stalking
- Serious online abuse
- Repeated targeted abuse
- Potential hate crime
Recording Initial Information
- Date and time
- Location
- Individuals involved
- Witnesses
- Exact language used where possible
- Immediate actions taken
- Any wellbeing or safeguarding concerns
This information will support subsequent investigation, reporting and decision-making.
Key Messages for Staff
Safety and wellbeing come first.
Listen, reassure and record concerns accurately.
Racist language or behaviour should not be minimised or dismissed.
Consider context, impact, patterns and appropriate escalation.
Visual Summary
Download the flowchart below for use in schools, staff meetings and professional learning.
