ABSTRACT
In multi-ethnic societies the position of black people has consistently been regarded as marginal. Black people have been outsiders, who have been discriminated against, or strangers who should be assimilated, or people whose different cultural and linguistic backgrounds should be tolerated and accommodated. The position of black people is rarely considered from a perspective which sees them simply as citizens with equal rights. Similar attitudes have pervaded education. The education system as a whole must examine its practices and procedures to combat racism. Policies of positive action must be adopted across the whole of the education process. Providing equality, combating racism and teaching about diversity affect the whole work of a school, a local education authority, a national education system. Schools are embedded in society and they cannot control influences on their pupils. But schools remain institutions that retain sufficient flexibility to encourage vigorous and open debate.
