Tips and Advice for Anyone Experiencing Discrimination in School.
If you have been experiencing discrimination during your placement setting or during school, it can feel impossible to understand what is happening and what to do about it. There is a huge power imbalance between you and the school/agency. Going against these systems can feel like an uphill battle, on top of the regular school schedule. If at any point, you are feeling like the process is too much, it’s okay to stop fighting and preserve your energy. It is okay to put your head down and get through the experience. This option is also a very wise way to navigate harmful systems.
If you’re interested in what some steps are you can take to advocate within these systems, there are a couple of tips I can suggest.
- Start a journal outlining everything that happens. It can be done in chronological order where you write down the date and time, setting, people in the room/witnesses, and what happened.
- Read through any manuals, handbooks, or welcome packages/worksheets that you may have gotten at the beginning of the semester. In these forms, you’ll be able to find specific policies that you can name in your journal and in any future meetings you may have. Leaning on these policies will be helpful as these manuals and handbooks serve as a sort of “contract” that everyone is supposed to be following. Most will have a policy regarding discrimination.
- Take note of who you can lean on within these systems. Do you have a school liaison that is supposed to keep regular meetings with you and ensure your learning goals are being met in a safe manner? Is there a professor you trust and can connect with? Is there and Ombudsperson that you can speak to? This is someone who is employed by the school and they can help you figure out what the next steps are in your situation. Their services are confidential.
- Find your support people outside of school/practicum. Are there friends or family members that you can lean on for support? Are there other students are your school who are going through a similar experience?
- Is your practicum supervisor a part of any regulatory bodies? For example, a Registered Social Worker (RSW) is attached to the BC College of Social Workers (BCCSW). You can research the regulatory body to understand their ethics policies and reporting options.
- It is okay to wait until after you have graduated to take these steps. Graduating is a huge stress and if practicum is the final thing you need to do to graduate, it is okay to wait until that last step is done. Having a journal that outlines all the events that happened will be helpful if you want to wait.
You deserve a safe place for your education. If school has been a difficult place for you to feel safe and grow, I am here for you. I’ve navigated these systems and have faced discrimination in school and practicum. I hope to offer you a safe space to process and consider your options.