www.wiltshire.gov.uk
Information for Students
We are all different to one another in many ways – we look different, sound different and come from different backgrounds. This is what makes up diversity. However, for some people, being different becomes difficult when they are treated badly because of it.
Hate Crime
When crimes are committed against people because of race, religion or sexuality, this is known as hate crime. Hate crimes can include:
- Name calling
- Offensive graffiti
- Taking or damaging your things
- Pushing, pulling or shoving
- Being hassled or threatened
- Any other crime which is committed against you because you are different.
Like bullying, hate crime can happen in or out of school, and can happen to anyone. You don’t have to be in a minority to be a victim of hate crime.
You can report a hate crime in confidence on the Report It website.
Racism
Britain has always been a diverse society. Even in the Bronze Age, people came from other countries to live and settle in Britain. This pattern has continued ever since, and is reflected in much of our culture and language. After the second world war, there were labour shortages in Britain, and so people were encouraged to come from across the Commonwealth to take jobs rebuilding Britain. This is how many people have come to be in Britain.
People from ethnic minorities still only make up a small proportion of the population in Britain – around 7%, although this varies from area to area. Less than 4% (1 in 25) people in Wiltshire are from ethnic minorities.
People are still discriminated against because they are from a different race or religion. Anyone can be a victim of racism, whatever their race, religion or ethnicity. And anyone can be racist.
As with bullying if someone is being racist towards you, you should tell someone. Remember, everyone has the right to go about their daily life without the threat of violence or intimidation.
For more information look at the links on the right.
Disability
Disability affects about 15% of people at some point in their lives. Disability can affect people in many different ways, for example:
- Mobility (using a wheel chair for example)
- Deafness
- Blindness
- Mental health problems
- Learning difficulties
- Epilepsy
- Dyslexia
Recent legislation (the Disability Discrimination Act) makes it illegal to discriminate against people because they have a disability. It also says that service providers (for example, schools and shops) have to make reasonable provision for people with disabilities to access their services. Just because you have a disability, doesn’t mean you should be treated differently or bullied.
For more information see the links on the right.
Homophobia
Homophobia is treating someone badly because they are or because you think they are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transsexual.
If you or someone you know if experiencing bullying, crime or abuse because they are gay (or because someone thinks they are), it is important that someone is told. This could be:
- A teacher
- A trusted friend
- A parent
- The police
- A gay friendly organisation
For more information look at the links on the right.
If you have any comments or suggestions about the safer schools pages, please send them to saferschools@wiltshire.gov.uk or fill in and return our feedback form.
