Speak up, Be Brave, Stand Up Against Discrimination in Schools

Schools are supposed to be one’s second home, where learners feel comfortable, included, and safe. The students can be highly influenced by the perspectives, ideas, and values the school has uprooted and instilled in their minds. However, discrimination in schools has become evident, even in our own school. Students in Dalaguete National High School have faced and encountered different forms of discrimination which will affect negatively the different aspects of their personal lives if not dealt with properly.

_{photography by @gohenry | Tackling discrimination debate}

Dalaguete National High School is a school with a large population of students, so students come in various types. With a diverse group of students, discrimination in the aforementioned school is exigent. Some of the prevailing forms of discrimination in our school are sexism, racism, and the fashion sense of students. Regarding sexism, male students tend to act superior and treat the female ones as weak and inferior. Cases such as these are seen during classroom cleaning roles.

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Moreover, racism is observed in those students who are discriminated against due to their economic status, for they are treated unfairly when forming platonic relationships with their schoolmates. Lastly, students are free to express themselves in the way they dress in schools as long as it is with adherence to the school’s dress code. However, students face discrimination in the way they dress because some students make fun of the fashion tastes of others whose tastes are contrary or different to their own.

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With the aforementioned cases of discrimination, it is vital to deal with these problems as they could affect their well-being and academic success in the near future. According to the Council of Europe Portal, dealing with discrimination in schools can be done in a variety of ways, including: challenging stereotypes when they are heard; discussing stereotypes with students; identifying stereotypes in the curriculum; highlighting stereotypical images and roles in textbooks; allocating posts of responsibility equitably.

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Furthermore, students dealing with discrimination in small ways can be prevented by being open to teachers, school staff, and administrators such as the guidance counselor. Also, students can talk and express their feelings and experiences to their parents and close friends so that they are aware of their safety in school. It takes courage and strength to stand up against discrimination, but it is one of the essential ways to overcome it.

_{photography by @gohenry |Tackling discrimination debate}

Ultimately, the welfare of students in schools should be a salient priority. Hence, any forms of discrimination against them should be highly discouraged and must be eradicated. In dealing with discrimination, it takes immense courage, determination, and strength to stand up for yourself. Annihilating the presence of discrimination in our schools is a crucial part which requires the participation of everyone. No student should be exposed to the dangers of discrimination. A peaceful learning environment is what every student deserves for efficient learning.