In public schools around the state, teachers and support staff who volunteer to become Anti-Racism Contact Officers play an important role in eliminating racial discrimination every day.

At Northbridge Public School in Sydney, Cailtin Alexander is one such teacher, playing a crucial role in ensuring that the school is a safe and supportive environment for all.

Ms Alexander believes that anti-racism is essential because schools are places where diverse communities come together, producing incredible learning and growth.

“It's everyone's responsibility to take on anti-racism and it can be done in really small achievable steps from kindergarten to year 12,” Ms Alexander said.

Caitlin emphasises that, while racism is firmly rejected by the education department, it’s vital for teachers and school leaders to take swift, responsive action whenever it arises.

“If you've witnessed racism, you need to step and check on the victim,” she said.

“They're the first priority, whether it's interjecting by removing them from the situation, asking if they're okay, or turning to the person who has been a perpetrator of racism and letting them know that that behaviour is unacceptable.”

Within each school, an Anti-Racism Contact Officer is a dedicated teacher who provides support, promotes inclusion, and ensures that racist behaviour is addressed.

The NSW Department of Education’s Anti-Racism Policy requires every public school to nominate a teacher in this role.

In her role at Northbridge, Caitlin’s approach includes starting with small, everyday actions, from reading picture books with young students to fostering meaningful classroom discussions about diversity and its celebration.

She advocates for ongoing conversations, empowering students to call out racism and become agents of change themselves.

“By having ongoing conversations about what anti-racism is, it makes those topics normalised,” Ms Alexander said.

“It means that kids feel more able to start those conversations to call out racism when it occurs.”

According to Caitlin, here are ways we can act against racism:

1. Take Small Steps: incorporate anti-racism into everyday actions, such as discussing diversity through picture books, watching educational programs, or reflecting on real-life incidents with students.

2. Challenge Racism: respond to racism whenever it occurs and make it clear that such behaviour is unacceptable.

3. Foster Conversations: empower children and adults alike to recognize, address, and prevent racism.

4. Lead by Example: actively promote anti-racism, demonstrating through actions that it’s a shared responsibility and key to building a better community.

Who can be an Anti-Racism Contact Officer and what they do

The Anti-Racism Contact Officer is a teacher or executive member of staff who has been nominated by the principal to support anti-racism education in a school. They receive specialised training to undertake their role.

The ARCO should have a commitment to anti-racism, have good communication and interpersonal skills and be trusted by the school community.

The ARCO plays an important role in assisting and working collaboratively with the principal to implement major aspects of the Anti-Racism Policy. For more information, refer to Anti-racism Contact Officers.

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination was established by the United Nations to raise awareness of and gain support for global action against racism.

It is observed on 21 March each year and is an important opportunity for us to focus on what we can do to address and prevent racism from occurring.

Find out more at the United Nations website External linkand the department's International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.