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so my teacher met my mum in parents evening this week. my teacher is very nice, so it surprised me the way she spoke to my mum. she was first surprised that she was my mum because my mum isn’t white, but i just look white (yes, she is my biological mum...) after she asked me if she actually was mum, mum said she spoke to her in a very patronising way. i think my teacher is racist because now she knows who my mum is, she treated me strange in class, like she pities me. i don't know what to do. i asked mum if she thinks my teacher is racist, she said she might be and there is definitely something odd about her. i am very disappointed because she was my favourite teacher and she is normally so nice, but now something feels off. i don't like her anymore.
Sam
Hi there,
Everyone deserves to be treated fairly and with respect, regardless of their race or background. It can feel upsetting when someone starts treating you differently because of your race and you shouldn’t have to face that alone.
Discrimination and racism can come in many forms and is against the law. Treating you differently because of your or your mum’s race is a form of discrimination. It can feel upsetting when someone you felt so connected to acts in a way that changes how you see them. Your teacher has let you down, and you don’t deserve that.
Your school should be there to support you with any kind of discrimination. You’ve done the right thing by talking to your mum, and it might help to think with her about ways to approach the school about what happened.
Having the school involved can help to make sure you feel supported and stop things like this happening in the future. Depending on how you and your family feel, you could share what’s happened with the head teacher or think about making a formal complaint.
Remember, nobody has the right to make you feel bad for being you. You aren’t alone and Childline is here for you. You can come and speak to us about how you're feeling, and we can support you in helping you feel safe and happy at school.
Take care,
Sam
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