07. Discrimination at school or college

The Race Relations Act says that a school or college must not discriminate against you or your child, for example:

• when choosing who to admit;
• when deciding whether to exclude a pupil or student; and
• in the way pupils or students are treated.

The school or college must also deal with any racial harassment or abuse by staff or other students. The Race Relations Act also makes it unlawful for a local education authority to discriminate when assessing a child's special needs.

If you feel your child is facing racial discrimination, you should first try to discuss the problem with the teacher or headteacher. The Department for Education and Skills has information about dealing with this (see 'Further help' for contact details).

If that doesn't work, complain to the school governors or the local education authority. If you need to, you can get advice on what to do from:

• the Commission for Racial Equality;
• your local Racial Equality Council; or
• the Advisory Centre for Education helpline.

See 'Further help' for details.

If you are a student, your college or university should have an equal opportunities policy for students as well as staff.