I was saddened, but not surprised to read of the archbishop of Canterbury’s warning about an upsurge in racist comments (Cameron hardens stance on Brussels’ £1.7bn demand, 28 October). Although these are not criminal or violent acts, the language we use casually to describe others we perceive as different in any way, can have an equally damaging long-term effect. Our educational charity, the Anne Frank Trust UK, works with over 30,000 young people a year, in schools, prisons and communities throughout the country, and we hear from many young people what it feels like to be the victim of casually offensive remarks about their religion, ethnicity, sexuality or looks. But all is not lost for our next generation, thanks to a teenage victim of racism who speaks across the generations about where casual bigotry can lead. A recent study by the school of psychology at the University of Kent and Independent Academic Research Studies, found that 92% of young people who had gone through an Anne Frank Trust intensive educational programme better recognised the dangers of prejudice. We hope they will carry these lessons with them through life.
Gillian Walnes
Co-founder and executive director, Anne Frank Trust UK
