On Wednesday 9 August, a European Commission working group published an issue paper examining the challenges and possible remedies to discrimination in education.
Vulnerable groups
The document looks at various types of discrimination (based on origin, gender, beliefs, disability, sexual orientation), while taking account of social and territorial inequalities and addressing multiple discrimination and intersectionality.
It notes that minority students and teachers are often the target of hate speech both inside and outside schools.
It also notes that incidents of discrimination in schools remain under-reported, highlighting the role that helplines, equality bodies (see EUROPE 13233/10) and online complaints procedures can play in this respect.
Raising awareness and a global approach
To effectively combat discrimination within educational establishments, the document recommends adopting a “comprehensive whole school and community-based approach with legal, policy and funding dimensions”.
The working group also believes that it is essential to raise awareness among pupils and teachers, as well as parents, of the consequences of discrimination and the rights of vulnerable communities.
Finally, it suggests integrating citizenship education, including digital, human rights and media education, into national learning programmes. At the same time, it stresses the need to train teachers and school heads.
The document is aimed primarily at the authorities responsible for defining education policy and at education staff. As well as highlighting existing problems, it lists a range of best practice and European initiatives and strategies aimed at combating the various forms of discrimination.
Thematic document: https://aeur.eu/f/8c5 (Original version in French by Hélène Seynaeve)