Racism is an issue that is of increasing public policy concern in too many organisations in Ireland including those working directly in third level education. It is an important initiative for all colleges, even those that do not have a multi ethnic mix of students or staff, because racism has become an issue of wider public and societal concern. This year, the issue of addressing racism is of particular relevance as it coincides with the World Conference on Racism that will take place in South Africa in September 2001. There are a number of different forms of racism evident in the Irish context. The racism experienced by refugees and asylum seekers and people who have migrated to Ireland for economic reasons.
Racism can also take place at different levels.
In the past students and colleges have played a key role in addressing racism, largely been focusing on external issues, such as the struggle to end Apartheid in South Africa with many active in the anti apartheid movement. There is now a new set of challenges arising out of the greater recognition that racism is an issue within Ireland. There is a need to respond to cultural diversity, develop policies within colleges that tackle racism head-on as well as encourage colleges and student unions to create initiatives in this area. There is also a need to build on the work of other national bodies, such as HEEU, the HEA the ICOS, lecturer Trade Unions who have developed initiatives aimed at promoting equality at third level. This approach can be translated into a number of practical actions.