Racism in schools

Abstract

Rucy Rusera offers a powerful, firsthand account of racism within educational institutions, drawing from her lived and professional experiences as a young scholar and advocate who migrated to Australia from Rwanda as a young child. This essay is an edited version of a talk presented at the 2024 Annual Conference of Federation of Ethnic Communities Councils Australia (FECCA). Through a reflective, narrative-driven approach, Rusera unpacks the persistent challenges faced by students of colour, analysing how systemic bias and inequitable policies shape their educational journeys. Blending personal anecdotes with critical insights, the article highlights the intersecting roles of identity, institutional culture, and policy in reinforcing barriers to inclusion and success. She challenges listeners to critically engage with issues of diversity and justice in education and calls for systemic change, making it a valuable contribution for educators, policymakers, and scholars dedicated to fostering inclusive academic environments.