An Australian teacher has received a disciplinary caution and has been required to undergo training by a civil tribunal following an incident in which he referred to Indians as “Uber drivers and Deliveroo people” during a business studies class in 2021.
Upon receiving a complaint from a former student of Indian origin who was present in James Anderson’s class, the New South Wales Civil and Administrative Tribunal has instructed the Department of Education to issue a formal apology to the student, as reported by The Sydney Morning Herald.
James Anderson, who teaches at Cronulla High School, showed an educational YouTube video during the class on March 3, 2021, which featured a presenter of Indian descent. The student alleged that Anderson ridiculed the presenter and made the remark, “all Indians are Uber drivers and Deliveroo people, and their service is bad.”
Unsatisfied with the response from the school principal, the student and her parents lodged a complaint with the tribunal.
During her testimony at the tribunal, the student described her distress and discomfort, explaining that Anderson repeatedly glanced at her while the video was playing and mocked the Indian presenter, knowing her Indian heritage. She found the experience embarrassing and hurtful.
The student also revealed that despite another student’s repeated requests to stop the video, Anderson continued playing it.
While Anderson denied mocking the presenter, he acknowledged that his statements were inappropriate and had racial undertones. He stated that he did not perceive any signs of upset among the students in the class at the time.
Despite the incident, Anderson remains employed at the school. However, he was issued a disciplinary caution and required to undergo training by the tribunal, which validated the student’s complaint of racial vilification.
A spokesperson for the Department of Education expressed their rejection of all forms of racism and affirmed their commitment to eradicating racial discrimination within NSW public schools.
