JAKARTA - The most prestigious school in England, Eton College is the first educational institution to apologize to the public over the existence of racism in the school environment since a long time ago. The school plans to invite Dillibe Onyeama, a former black student who exposed racism in the educational institution.
According to a Reuters report, Onyeama, who is now a famous Nigerian writer, had attended this elite school. Onyeama knew very well how racism in schools was founded in 1440. His experience of dealing with racism in schools that resulted in 20 British prime ministers was also included in the book Nigger at Eton (1972).
He began working on the book when he graduated from Eton in 1969. On that basis, driven by the 'Black Lives Matter' (BLM) action, the current Eton School Principal, Simon Henderson, wanted to apologize for the existence of hereditary racism in the institution he led. .
Henderson said racism has no place in civilized society, both then and now. "We must have humility and on a personal level to admit that there is still a lot to be done," he told reporters Tuesday, June 23.
"I will invite Mr. Onyeama to meet to apologize to him in person, on behalf of the school, and to explain that he will always be welcome at Eton," he added.
Onyeama responded. He said Eton's apology was unnecessary. It is unclear what reason Onyeama refused the apology.
What is clear, Onyeama seemed hurt because of the racism he experienced during school. At that time, his friends at Eton often mocked him because Oenyeama was black, "How many maggots are there in your hair?" In fact, when he passed the exam, his friends often said, "how did you do it?"
Before Eton, a number of other UK institutions had already re-examined traces of past sins and immediately issued an apology. Especially, for those who have a history of dealing with slavery and racism.
Some of those who have apologized include The Lloyd's of London insurance market and The Bank of England.
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