Beyond Access

Abstract

This chapter outlines the profound implications of Racial Othering on students with a refugee background, specifically centring on the experiences of African heritage youth. Drawing on the capability approach as an analytical framework, the chapter illustrates the pervasive nature of racial Othering by illuminating its role in propagating low teacher expectations, eroding student self-efficacy, fostering toxic stress, and inducing unhealthy or negative coping mechanisms. The key message is that providing equitable refugee education goes beyond widening access. Substantive equity provisions necessitate the removal of unfreedoms that impede individuals' ability to fully derive benefits from educational opportunities. In keeping with this perspective, the chapter underscores the imperative need to cultivate racially and culturally safe learning environments. Such environments not only acknowledge the multifaceted impact of racial Othering but actively work towards dismantling it, thereby enabling refugee students to convert their educational opportunities into meaningful and valued outcomes.