You walk through the halls and see everyone talking to each other. This is the dream school. Everyone wants to come here. There are no problems.
This describes the perfect school, but not JC. In fact, no school exists that does not face its fair share of problems. One problem that faces private schools more than others is racism.
Although many like to think that racism does not exist in a nice Catholic school, it does. All someone has to do is walk down the halls and see the different cliques gathering, many of which are race oriented.
People who deny the existence of racism are just as disrespectful as those who discriminate against others. If people are unwilling to accept the problem, it will never be addressed.
Some may ask why it has to be addressed, which is understandable. Some people live in a sphere of their race alone, but most interact with other races daily. If JC allows racism to become a subconscious action, it could cost someone in the long run. If it is habit to crack a racist joke, it could cost you a job.
During 1993 in the USA, 7 out of 10 fights were fought because of race. 100 racist assaults were committed in Rome in 1993. These problems persist in all places, including JC.
It is not easy to say, but it has to be said. Even though JC has been spared from any major incidents involving race, something has to be done. The relationship between different races at JC is hardly hostile. But the differences between cliques, not just race, separate the school more than is necessary.
I do not have the magic answer to solve racial issues. If anyone did, I’m sure they would be swimming in money right now. One of the problems people have is that they feel others are being treated unfairly.
For example , teachers are inconsistent with their regulation of the uniform policy. What is the point of a uniform if teachers are not going to enforce it?
Addressing these issues is not easy. Something like a seminar integrating different races could be helpful no matter how awkward it could be. Forcing different cliques to interact might cause people to step out of their comfort zone.
I’m sure that other people have problems with different cliques, and some disagree with me. However, all have to agree that racism is a problem around the world and at JC. Simple measures can be taken to make equality more of a reality.
Henry Shepard can be reached for comment at [email protected]