Recently we have seen anti-racism protests taking place all over the world, from the streets of London and New York to Amsterdam. Now, the protests have reached a secondary school in Surrey.
Racism in schools has been an issue for far too long, and on 16th October, the students of Nonsuch High School for Girls decided it was time to take action. Students from the school walked out of lessons (wearing masks) protesting racism and white privilege on the school grounds. The protest was organised by a year 11 student who had witnessed and been a victim of racism by both the students and teachers at the school.
The racism at this school included teachers calling ethnic names “silly” and “hard to pronounce”. Some students sent messages saying George Floyd deserved to die, “slaves should have just escaped” and that “India deserved to be colonised”. Teachers seemed to be protecting and siding with students who were being racist and telling the victims that they needed to accept their opinions. Posters and signs relating to the BLM movement that students had made and put up were being ripped down, torn and laughed at.
Past and current students of this school rushed to social media to share their stories and experiences as victims of racism at the school. Students from several schools have been emailing the Nonsuch High School for Girls, but their emails are being continuously blocked.
So far, there has been no change. Hopefully soon, through the determination of the students, we will help dismantle racism at this school, and all schools.
Written by Chahak Saraogi
Artwork by Zara Masood
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