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• Organise an assembly to support students to learn about racism and encourage them to be anti-racism upstanders.
• You may wish to put up some posters! In addition to the posters available on Racism. No Way!, additional anti-racism posters are available for download on the Anti-Racism Contact Officers webpage and can be ordered from the Henry Parkes Equity Resource Centre. You could also invite students to create their own anti-racism posters or artworks.
• Watch the Australian Human Rights Commission video – .
• A range of books are available from the Henry Parkes Equity Resource Centre to support discussions in your classroom and for your own professional reflection.
• Explore and activities on Racism. No Way!, including:
  • - Students learn about what racist behaviour is and begin to be able to identify it in familiar contexts such as at school, at home, online, or in the community.
  • - Students identify feelings and build empathy for others. They learn about how racist behaviour can impact those who experience it. This lesson has a focus on understanding prejudice and bias, as well as perspective taking and empathy.
  • - Students are empowered with knowledge and strategies they can use when they witness racism at school, in the community and online.
• Student anti-racism training packages have been developed for use in primary and secondary settings, and are available on the Anti-Racism Contact Officers webpage. These are designed to build understanding of racism and its impact, and to build student confidence and skills to act as anti-racism upstanders.

• Organise an assembly to support students to learn about racism and encourage them to be anti-racism upstanders.
• You may wish to put up some posters! In addition to the posters available on Racism. No Way!, additional anti-racism posters are available for download on the Anti-Racism Contact Officers webpage and can be ordered from the Henry Parkes Equity Resource Centre. You could also invite students to create their own anti-racism posters or artworks.
• Watch the Australian Human Rights Commission video – .
• A range of books are available from the Henry Parkes Equity Resource Centre to support discussions in your classroom and for your own professional reflection.
• Explore on Racism. No Way!, including:
  • - Students learn about what racist behaviour is and how to identify it at school, home, online, or in the community.
  • - Students learn about how racist behaviour can impact those who experience it. This lesson has a focus on understanding stereotypes and prejudice, as well as perspective taking and empathy.
  • – Students learn about how racist behaviour can impact those who experience it. This lesson has a focus on perspective taking and empathy, as well as demonstrating positive citizenship in what to do when racism is observed or experienced.
• Student anti-racism training packages have been developed for use in primary and secondary settings, and are available on the Anti-Racism Contact Officers web page. These are designed to build understanding of racism and its impact, and to help develop student confidence and skills to act as anti-racist upstanders. Plan to deliver this training to the student leadership group.

What is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD)?

Observed globally on 21 March, the was established by the United Nations following the 1960 Sharpeville massacre in South Africa, where 69 people were killed while peacefully protesting apartheid laws.

The day reaffirms a global commitment to eliminating racial discrimination in all its forms. It provides an opportunity for schools to reflect on the ongoing impact of racism and to strengthen culturally safe, inclusive and equitable learning and working environments.

How does IDERD relate to Harmony Week?

In Australia, IDERD (21 March) falls within (16-22 March 2026). Harmony Week recognises the cultural, linguistic and religious diversity of our communities and the value of belonging.

IDERD is an important day for schools to acknowledge the impact of both interpersonal and systemic racism, and everyone's collective responsibility to prevent, respond and eliminate it. Schools are encouraged to acknowledge IDERD and consider their local context when planning activities. This should include consultation with families and adjusting timing or format to support religious and spiritual diversity and promote cultural inclusion.

Are schools expected to change how they mark Harmony Week?

Schools have flexibility to plan activities that are meaningful for their communities.

Where Harmony Week is celebrated, it is encouraged that activities also include opportunities for reflection and learning about racism and equity. Celebratory elements can be valuable when grounded in genuine consultation and when they avoid stereotypical or tokenistic representations of culture. Aligning celebration with learning supports the intent of 21 March.

Why is there an emphasis on centring IDERD?

The emphasis ensures clarity and consistency in how 21 March is understood across schools.

While Harmony Week recognises diversity, IDERD centres the elimination of racial discrimination. This aligns with the department’s commitment to embedding anti-racism across policy, practice and culture, and with broader national guidance, including from the .

How can schools engage students in acknowledging IDERD in age-appropriate ways?

Suitability of activities will vary across year levels. Schools may consider structured classroom discussions about fairness, belonging and respect; exploring how racism impacts individuals and communities in developmentally appropriate ways; and connecting learning to relevant curriculum outcomes.

Is anti-racism work limited to this week?

No. While 21 March provides a focused opportunity for reflection and action, anti-racism education and intercultural understanding are ongoing commitments.

Schools are encouraged to embed anti-racism across teaching and learning, staff professional learning, student leadership and community engagement throughout the year. Sustained effort strengthens culturally safe environments and supports improved outcomes for students and staff.