Who belongs in schools? How the education system fails racially marginalised students

This chapter examines school belonging in relation to students’ intersecting social identities. Specifically, it explores how race plays out in school settings, as well as how schools themselves can be barriers to inclusion for marginalised students. Classrooms traditionally adopt one-size-fits-all approaches to respond to all students. One-size-fits-all practices fall short of inclusive education standards and can be harmful to students’ well-being and their sense of belonging. This chapter also explores how racial identity, racial bias and racism impact students’ experiences of inclusion and belonging at school. Finishing with suggestions for moving towards inclusiveness by including intersectional and anti-racist pedagogical practices that cater to the needs of all learners.