Aim The information reported In this article formed part of a large study, which examined how the pre-reglstration nursing curriculum prepares students to work with minority ethnic groups. Questions on racism were asked as a subsidiary to the main area under study.

Method A questionnaire was sent to student nurses (n=1035) and lecturers (n=303) teaching pre-reglstration students In the North West Region. Participants were also invited to record their qualitative comments.

Results The results showed that a higher percentage of lecturers than students had heard what they perceived to be racist comments In the classroom. Several students commented that racist attitudes were mainly the result of a lack of knowledge and/or Ignorance. Conclusion From the study results, It appears that racism Is still evident in the classroom and the clinical placement area.