Bryanston’s response to racism

Published: 9 June 2020

We have watched the protests on racial inequality in the USA unfold and we have seen the swelling of support in the UK and around the world. The issues are simultaneously simple and complex and, as a school, we are examining our own practices and how we can help construct a future for all of us based on fairness, equality and justice.

Racism is a systemic societal problem and Bryanston recognises this fact; we also recognise that we are a privileged, well-resourced, rural and overwhelmingly white educational establishment. As a result, we have a responsibility to use our voice and actions to support and help bring about change. We are thinking about the role we can play as educators and this includes working to diversify curriculums and syllabuses.

Uncomfortable as it may be, we also need to look inwards, reflect on our behaviour, thinking, teaching and actions and examine our own structures and systems. We must consider our complicity in an unfair system and how we can ensure that there is no complacency or tacit racism at Bryanston.

We constantly remind our pupils of the importance of not being bystanders and we fully support all those who stand in peaceful protest against racism. We cannot allow racism to exist with impunity and we cannot be apathetic to its existence.

We are encouraging our pupils to listen to the voices that are now being heard all over the world and to consider the issues and grievances behind them. They should join us in listening, investigating and asking questions until they can hear the experiences of those subject to racism.

Mark Mortimer
Headmaster

Bryanston’s response to racism

Cookie & Privacy Notice