Systemic racism

The hidden barrier for indigenous students

Anti-discrimination law

• Direct racial discrimination

One person is treated differently to another in the same or similar situations.

• Indirect racial discrimination

aim to address systemic discrimination;

due to various racial or ethnic origin, the treatment for each person could be different and then caused inequality.

Hidden barriers

• Regular attendance

In high school, the indigenous students absented 30-54 days of school a year.

Reasons:

The criminal justice system

Parents’ unemployment

Cultural obligations

Students’ health and hearing

Hidden barriers

• The Eurocentric model of teaching

The policy-maker thought that their policies are neutral, objective and universally applicable; basically, their assumptions were those indigenous students who grow up with white children have “lost their culture” and therefore be part of white society; however, those indigenous who lived in remote areas in Australia still came with traditional beliefs and language.

Hidden barriers

• An example: Northland Secondary College in Victoria. (forced to close however re-opening as a result)

• This example indicated that the voice of indigenous students has increased.

• Communication styles: schools implement standard English for both indigenous students and non-indigenous students; however, the indigenous students’ speaking are different by comparing with other students. (aboriginals’ culture on communication)

Hidden barriers

• The qualities of teachers for indigenous students.

Obviously, educational experience and outcomes for indigenous student are poor and therefore, the qualities of teachers for indigenous students do not meet high requirements; most of them are not responsible, they came to those remote areas in order to “earn” points and after 2 years, they leave. Therefore, those Aboriginal parents do not trust them and claim for fair treatments.