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Original poster

Blatant racism from school - parent won’t do anything

136 replies

Wishthingswerenouting · 02/02/2026 12:58

My niece who is mixed race is at a predominantly white school. She is 1 of 2 kids who aren’t white. Let’s call my niece Sarah. Let’s say the other kid is called Jenny.

there’s this one teacher who tried to give my niece detention for “wearing fake tan” told her her legs are orange and said that she’s breaching uniform policy. My niece explained that it’s just her skin tone and in the end managed to avoid the detention. She has also been a bit of an arse to my niece separate to this.

this same teacher calls my niece Jenny, and Jenny Sarah. They look absolutely nothing alike. Not even similar skin tone aside from anything else.

my sister says I’m being dramatic in saying that it’s outrageous and she should complain. My niece agrees with me but her mum won’t raise it. Aibu to think this is very blatant - at best ignorance - and should be logged?

OP posts:
HighStreetOtter · 02/02/2026 13:07

Fake tan thing is awful and you should raise it. Sorry - it should be raised by your niece or sister.

The name mix up could just be one of those things. I'd actually say it was worse if she was mixing up the names of 2 mixed race girls - the fact they are so different suggests she's just bad at names.

I have a mental block about the names of 2 people at work - one is a goth, dark hair and piercings, and the other is blonde and wears floral dresses but in my mind their names are the other way around.

Whyarepeople · 02/02/2026 13:06

BTW I wouldn't mention the teacher confusing the names - that will be seen as normal and an unfortunate mix up. As others have said, your niece could bring her own complaint, with your help in the background.

Genevieva · 02/02/2026 13:05

It’s not your issue to manage. You don’t say how old the niece is, but she sounds old enough to raise a complaint myself. I would recommend the complaint is specific to the issues you describe and doesn’t extrapolate that these are caused by an ism. She can let the school work that one out for themselves at this stage. They will! Or at least, they should. If the problem persists, then raising racism as a potential reason for ongoing mistreatment becomes more powerful.

ComtesseDeSpair · 02/02/2026 13:05

Children old enough to understand the process can make complaints about their school themselves, starting with the head teacher or governing body. The school should have an anti-racism or anti-discrimination policy, which she can refer to. Would you be prepared to support your niece in this, if she would want that, if her parents will not?

Bernadinetta · 02/02/2026 13:05

zzplee · 02/02/2026 13:01

Just checking year on calendar ... Yep, 2025. Where in the world are you that an adult can't recognise a mixed race person's skin tone and thinks it's artificial?

It is 2026 😁

LittleGreenDuck · 02/02/2026 13:04

zzplee · 02/02/2026 13:01

Just checking year on calendar ... Yep, 2025. Where in the world are you that an adult can't recognise a mixed race person's skin tone and thinks it's artificial?

You might need a new calendar ;)

But yes, OP, this is awful and should be raised. If your neice agrees, perhaps push more for the parents to raise it.

Whyarepeople · 02/02/2026 13:04

Wishthingswerenouting · 02/02/2026 13:03

I’m absolutely furious about it. would I be wrong to complain myself? I’m very close with my niece and pissed off with my sister who says micro aggressions “really aren’t a big deal”

Show quote history

The school would pay no attention unfortunately. They'll only engage with parents. You're a lovely aunt and your DNiece will appreciate your support in the long run.

Original poster
Wishthingswerenouting · 02/02/2026 13:03

Whyarepeople · 02/02/2026 13:02

I'd go absolutely ballistic about the fake tan thing. That is beyond ridiculous.

I’m absolutely furious about it. would I be wrong to complain myself? I’m very close with my niece and pissed off with my sister who says micro aggressions “really aren’t a big deal”

OP posts:
Original poster
Wishthingswerenouting · 02/02/2026 13:02

zzplee · 02/02/2026 13:01

Just checking year on calendar ... Yep, 2025. Where in the world are you that an adult can't recognise a mixed race person's skin tone and thinks it's artificial?

yep. She does have a very warm undertone. But it’s certainly not a false tan look.

OP posts:
Whyarepeople · 02/02/2026 13:02

I'd go absolutely ballistic about the fake tan thing. That is beyond ridiculous.

zzplee · 02/02/2026 13:01

Just checking year on calendar ... Yep, 2025. Where in the world are you that an adult can't recognise a mixed race person's skin tone and thinks it's artificial?