Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 19 February 2026 [Draft]
19 Feb 2026 · S6 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Portfolio Question Time
Racism in Schools
I have heard reports of pupils moving schools due to persistent racist bullying. That can be especially difficult for families in rural areas, where alternatives are limited. In addition, the rise in anti-immigration rhetoric from some political parties might be emboldening parental attitudes that, in turn, influence young people and shape behaviour within school communities. Can the cabinet secretary outline how the Scottish Government is supporting both urban and rural secondary schools to embed effective anti-racism practice and to ensure that staff are equipped to respond swiftly and protect pupils who might be at risk?
In the same item of business
5. Emma Harper (South Scotland) (SNP)
SNP
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to tackle racism in secondary schools. (S6O-05543)
The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills (Jenny Gilruth)
SNP
There is no place for racism in our schools and we are committed to addressing it across all education settings. The anti-racism in education programme stren...
Emma Harper
SNP
I have heard reports of pupils moving schools due to persistent racist bullying. That can be especially difficult for families in rural areas, where alternat...
Jenny Gilruth
SNP
I am very shocked to hear that pupils have been encouraged to move schools, in some instances, because they have been on the receiving end of persistent raci...
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Liam McArthur)
LD
There are a couple of supplementary questions, which will need to be brief.
Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Ind)
Ind
What specific funding allocations will be made to support participative curriculum resourcing with regard to anti-racist materials? How will schools be suppo...
Jenny Gilruth
SNP
Mr Choudhury raises a very important point, and a number of different funding streams are related to the issues raised in his question. The building racial l...
Stephen Kerr (Central Scotland) (Con)
Con
From the data that the cabinet secretary has available to her, can she say what proportion of incidents result in meaningful disciplinary action? How would t...
Jenny Gilruth
SNP
Mr Kerr will be aware that the Government published updated guidance on consequences prior to the summer recess last year. As for data on meaningful discipli...