People call me names because I'm a different colour

Dear Liz,
I go to a school with not many pupils from different backgrounds so I stand out. I'm often called names, jokes are told about me and I'm told to go back to where I came from but this is my home and I was born here. My family don't know what's being said to me and I don't want to upset them by telling them. They don't speak English very well and they might not be able to sort it out for me.
Jasbinder

Hello Jasbinder,
If these ignorant people are making nasty remarks about your background, colour and culture then this is racism. Try having a word with your class teacher at a time he or she isn't busy. Perhaps you could tell other people you've forgotten to hand in your homework and have to stay behind to finish it.

If that doesn't work then your parents need to write to the head to explain the background and to ask for the name calling and jokes to be stopped. They should ask the head to record their complaint and to let them know in writing how he is dealing with it.

If your parents find writing a letter difficult there may be someone in your community who would be able to help them. Many towns also have Race Equality Councils and those are also places where they can find help.

Racism is serious and needs to be tackled. Many police forces now have special sections specifically to deal with this problem and if your parents need to contact them they should find someone understanding. Many forces also have police-school liaison officers who can be very useful in warning the bullies off.
Liz

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