Yesterday someone shared the first black president of America and his wife in a photo that dehumanises Black people and likens them to monkeys ( primates). I have since seen and read several posts about it. Images like this sit within a long, ugly history of racist propaganda. Even when framed as “jokes” or “memes,” they reinforce stereotypes, normalise racism, and invite others to add their own content without thought of the impact or consequences. 

The impact matters more than the intent. Some have said the person sharing it is “just being themselves” and that it should be ignored. But the harm is real, and the responses have been shocking. I didn’t fully understand the impact of racism until I experienced it personally. I know too well the mental, emotional, and psychological harm it causes. This is why I have dedicated my time to advocating against racism and educating people about how it shows up in everyday life.

This kind of content sets back conversations about racism. If people in positions of power can share material that dehumanises Black people, and organisations, governments, or policymakers don’t call it out, it shows how deeply ingrained racism remains. Racism is no longer hidden or subtle, it is visible and in your face.

Many won’t be affected by this, but many are. Dismissing it as “just a joke” ignores the harm it causes and the history it sits within.

I believe that anti-racism education should not be optional. Practitioners and educators should feel supported, empowered, and backed by government to teach anti-racism in schools. Fear of backlash and being “thrown under the bus” has allowed teachers to pass the responsibility. This must end. Anti-racism should be a core part of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and the curriculum for all education staff.

WE call upon the Scottish and the Welsh Governments, the Northern Ireland executive, and Westminster to:

1. Make anti-racism education mandatory across all schools.

2. Provide guidance, training, and CPD so educators feel empowered and supported.

3. Protect teachers and practitioners from backlash for teaching equality, diversity, and anti-racism.

4. Ensure learning and educational resources reflect and celebrate our diverse communities.

Anti-racism education is essential for every child to learn, and every teacher to teach confidently. Together, we can create schools where understanding, respect, and equality are not optional, they are standard.

Sign this petition to ensure that anti-racism education is supported, mandatory, and effective across the UK. I call upon our governments to put GIRFEC into action. 

Please share this far and wide. Let's be part of the change.