\n 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.\n<\/p>\n
\n A racial incident is any incident which is perceived to be racist by the person experiencing the incident or by any other person.<\/strong>\n <\/p>\n \n 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.\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n Racial incidents can take many forms and may occur in person, online or through written communication.\n<\/p>\n \n Children and young people may report incidents directly to staff, through parents or carers, through peers or by other means.\n<\/p>\n \n 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.\n<\/p>\n \n This information will support subsequent investigation, reporting and decision-making.\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n \nDownload the flowchart below for use in schools, staff meetings and professional learning.\n<\/p>\n \n\ud83d\udce5 \n Recognising a Racial Incident
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\n Receiving a Disclosure
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\n Immediate Safety and Wellbeing
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\n Determining Whether the Incident May Be Racist
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\n Common Misconceptions
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\n Intent does not remove the impact of racist behaviour. The impact on the person affected should always be considered.\n <\/div>\n
\n Racist language or behaviour should not be dismissed as banter or humour.\n <\/div>\n
\n The perception of the person affected, or any other person, should be taken seriously.\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n Understanding the Difference
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\n Behaviour that may be offensive, insensitive or unacceptable but is not necessarily motivated by prejudice.\n <\/div>\n
\n An incident perceived by the victim or any other person to be motivated by prejudice relating to a protected characteristic.\n <\/div>\n
\n 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.\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n Potential Criminal Behaviour
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\n Recording Initial Information
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\n Key Messages for Staff
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\n Safety and wellbeing come first.\n <\/div>\n
\n Listen, reassure and record concerns accurately.\n <\/div>\n
\n Racist language or behaviour should not be minimised or dismissed.\n <\/div>\n
\n Consider context, impact, patterns and appropriate escalation.\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nVisual Summary
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\nDownload Flowchart (PDF)
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\n Go to Investigation of a Racial Incident \u2192
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