Report racism or religious discrimination in schools

Find out how to report racism or religious discrimination in schools.

Everyone in our school community deserves to be respected, valued and treated equally. We will not tolerate racism or religious discrimination in our school communities.

Report racism, religious discrimination or abuse

Report to your school

We encourage you to report incidents to your school if your child:

  • has been the target of religious, racial discrimination or abuse
  • has seen others experience racism or religious discrimination.

Your school will take appropriate action and provide support.

You can also make a formal complaint about the incident to the school.

Contact the Report racism hotline

You can report the incident to the Report racism hotline if you are

  • not comfortable reporting to the school
  • are not happy with the school’s response.

In an emergency, contact Victoria Police on 000. If your concern is non-urgent but you would like to contact the police, call 131 444.

Make a complaint in writing

You can write to the department's Report racism line via email at report.racism@education.vic.gov.au.

Make a complaint in your language

To make a complaint in your language call the National Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450.

Counselling and support through Parentline

Contact Parentline to get support from a qualified counsellor.

Parentline is a confidential and anonymous phone service for parents and carers of children from birth to 18 years old. Parentline is independent from the department.

Visit Parentline for more information.

Relevant department policies

More information and support

Bullystoppers

A resource for Victorian:

  • parents
  • students
  • school staff

to work together to help put a stop to bullying.

Bully Stoppers includes a section on racist bullying.

Bullying. NoWay! is the joint Australian Education Authorities website.

National Safe Schools Framework
Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Inc. (VAEAI)

Koorie students can get extra support from VAEAI.

Safe Schools

Safe Schools is a department program that ensures schools are:

  • safe places for all students, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) students
  • free of discrimination.
Courage to Care

Education programs about racism, discrimination and bullying. The Courage to Care mobile exhibitions and programs are available to all Victorian schools free of charge.

Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC)

VEOHRC can provide information regarding discrimination in education.

Foundation House

Foundation House offer professional learning workshops, advice and resources to support schools in their work with students from refugee backgrounds.

Schools standing up to racism

Online resources created by the Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY) to support schools to address racism and strengthen inclusion.

Flyers/Information sheets: How to report racism to a school