More than 50 racist incidents were recorded in North Wales’s classrooms over the last five years, the Daily Post can reveal.
New figures show 58 cases of racism in the region’s schools from 2011 to 2015, according to a freedom of information request.
Anglesey recorded the highest number of incidents at 28, followed by Denbighshire with 16.Gwynedd Council said there had been 14 occasions where children have been suspended from schools for a period of time due to incidents of racial abuse.
However, Flintshire, Conwy and Wrexham councils said they did not hold information on the number of incidents in their schools when asked by the Daily Post.
Saleem Kidwai, secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain, said the data is only the ‘tip of the iceberg’.
Mr Kidwai said: “The new name for racism is Islamophobia.
“It’s increasing in numbers all the time.
“We feel these incidents weren’t being recorded, but there’s been a move recently for them to be recorded separately.
“The low number of incidents is because people don’t always report through fear of not being listened to.
“We have report forms in local mosques where these incidents are then passed on to police and local councils. These incidents are very much under reported.
“That’s why we feel it’s so important for schools to hold this information, as then at least they know how to deal with it.
“These incidents have definitely increased in light of the recent attacks in Paris.”
A racist incident is defined as any situation perceived to be racist by the victim or any other person.
Owen Hathway, NUT Cymru policy officer, said that schools have a “zero tolerance” approach to such incidents.
He said: “Such actions are not tolerated and it is right that we see from these freedom of information responses that strong action has been taken to stamp out any negative behaviour.
“What has been really pleasing is the numerous initiatives that are ongoing across Wales which aim not only to educate children but also support teachers in creating a harmonious, safe and welcoming learning environment in schools. It is through this approach we can reduce examples of racism in our society.”
A spokesman for the Welsh Government said schools in Wales have a legal duty to ensure bullying around race, religion and culture is dealt with within schools.
The spokesman said: “They must, by law, record all racist incidents and report them at least annually to their local authority.”
An Isle of Anglesey County Council spokesperson added: “Our Lifelong Learning Department is committed to reducing bullying, and has instigated a robust means of recording and reporting bullying incidents in conjunction with its schools.
“This reporting includes the recording of incidents that may be regarded as being of a racially motivated nature, and we expect schools to report this on an annual basis. Schools have been encouraged to use ‘Show racism the red card’ teaching and learning materials that tackle bullying of a racist nature.”
see-http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/more-50-recorded-racist-incidents-10672081
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