Ethnicity targeting - U of T Supplemental Application

Describe a situation you witnessed, or were involved in, where someone was treated unfairly or discriminated against. As you describe the situation, please outline how you responded, and would you do anything differently if that situation occurred again?

120 words maximum

In ninth grade, I watched a boy in my class face regular targeting because of his South-Asian ethnicity. Some students mocked his accent in Arabic and used it as a way to exclude him during group activities.

At the time, I stepped in only when the behaviour became too blatant. I slowed discussions so he could speak, backed him when others talked over him, and gave him tasks that were vital. While it helped initially, the backhanded comments would continue sometimes aimed at me.

Looking back, I would call out the behaviour early and involve a teacher from the start, making it clear that it isn't "just joking." Addressing it upfront would stop it from spreading and protect the student.

The situation that you described is something that often occurs in international classrooms. The portrayal of yourself as a group leader who kept what could have become an uncontrollable bullying situation is an asset to the presentation. These are 2 impressive aspects of the explanation that is sure to make a mark on the reviewer. However, while taking charge of the situation is good on paper, the lack of your reference to seeking an authoritative solution in the form of involving a teacher, guidance counselor, or another authority is a shortcoming in your presentation. Since this will be a definite question in the reviewer's mind, you should explain why you were forced to take charge of the bullying without involving the school authorities. That way, when you reference that, having a better understanding of racial discrimination in relation to bullying at present, you would involve the school authorities should it happen again. That way the narrative would offer a full circle discussion in response to the questions.

@Holt
Would a change like
At the time, I didn't involve a teacher because I worried doing so would embarrass him or further escalate the situation
Be sensible? Or do I need to go further in depth

It would be best for you to write a totally new response that better explains your observations regarding the bullying, the reasons why you decided not to involve the teacher, and what the result of your decisions at that time were. Trying to revise this version will prove to be difficult due to the limited character count. A full revision will allow you more freedom to get creative and clear with your explanations. It is always good to give an in-depth explanation whenever possible. The information I asked you to include should help you deliver the sensible and clear response that you are looking for. The current version is prone to open questions and loopholes that need to be plugged.