Any proposal to close or merge long established schools can be a fraught business with concerns frequently raised over the impact on a local community, families and children.
It is important that the sincerely-held and often understandable anxieties expressed by those directly affected are properly considered and form part of any decision-making process carried out by education authorities.
However, while concerns generally tend to focus on pupils having to travel an increased distance or the loss of a valued facility in the heart of a community, a plan involving three controlled primary schools in south Belfast has raised the issue of possible racist attacks on children from migrant families.
The schools affected are Blythefield, Donegall Road and Fane Street and reorganisation is being looked at due to the decline in pupil numbers.
Fane Street, in particular, has significant numbers of newcomer children, indeed more than 20 countries are represented at the school, with around one third Muslim.
The Northern Ireland Council for Ethnic Minorities has warned of a ``high security risk of racist attacks'' against these children if they are forced to walk to a new school through the Village area.
In a submission to the Education Authority, Patrick Yu said: ``We do not want to see another Holy Cross number two to happen in that area.''
Mr Yu has been strongly criticised for his comments by, among others, former Belfast lord mayor Bob Stoker, now with Ukip.
While it is important not to issue generalised condemnation which tarnishes the many because of the actions of the few, unfortunately there have been a number of racist attacks in the south Belfast area and Mr Yu is entitled to reflect the fears of migrant families.
What is essential is that children from ethnic backgrounds are made to feel welcome, not just in the school they attend but in the wider community.
Clearly, any perception of racism, and the misgivings of foreign nationals, are issues that need to be properly addressed.
