The Research Project

Researchers at the University of South Australia are currently undertaking a study to document the development, trialling, and outcomes of a novel anti-racism strategy in a secondary school in Adelaide. The strategy builds on extensive consultation with students and staff and is based on principles of restorative justice. Internationally, restorative justice approaches have proven effective in improving student wellbeing and discipline. The participating school has developed innovative preventative and educative approaches, alongside new processes for reporting and responding to incidents of racism.

The research is designed to investigate the benefits of the anti-racism initiative, within the case study school, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and other racially minoritized students, and to identify successful anti-racism strategies. Measures of success include increased student wellbeing, increased awareness and understanding of racism amongst staff and students, increased student confidence in the school’s ability to respond to racism, increased feeling of belonging and support amongst students and staff, and improved teacher knowledge and confidence in fostering student wellbeing.