Whitewash. Part 1

The recent Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities chaired by Tony Sewell, an education consultant has concluded that while there was anecdotal evidence of racism, no proof has been uncovered, that there is "institutional racism" in Britain.

This has dismayed and troubled FACE.

While our members debate here, in shocked challenge to the report’s findings, other individuals and agencies are coming forward as we write. Those such as as Prof Kehinde Andrews, a professor of Black Studies at Birmingham City and Dr Halima Begum, chief executive of the Runnymede Trust, have been very vocal making for vital reading in this latest BBC report.

Ricardo, “The Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities suggests that the issue of racial disparity lies with the individual, and not systemic within society and our institutions this is very disturbing.”  

Avis, “Take note that this report has come out the same week as the George Floyd trial and the launch of the cross-party Race and Equality group. Absolutely no coincidence.”

Ricardo. “It doesn’t account for the disproportionality in school exclusions; the attainment gap and low retention rates amongst Black and Asian students in H.E., and the disproportionality within the criminal justice system. This eagerly awaited report misses a wider and more complex picture and risks alienating Black and Brown people within this country even further.”

This eagerly awaited report misses a wider and more complex picture and risks alienating Black and Brown people within this country even further

Avis. “His focus was mainly on how well black pupils/students are excelling in education. Under educate our children and you have a readymade workforce to replace the Europeans that have left. This man is trying to turn back the sacrifices our parents have made; no chance of that.

Benita. “Celebrate the success of Black students absolutely, but do not use these achievements to deny institutional racism. I am 3rd generation and my children 4th generation graduates, but that doesn't blind me to racism, systematic and institutional. Tony Sewell has an ‘I'm alright Jack,’ mentality just like the so-called equalities minister Kemi Badenoch. I can tell you my wider family are fuming over this report.”

If from the outset you do not believe 'something' exists, you're hardly going to actively seek it 

Ezinma. “So... what 'evidence' was assessed? If from the outset you do not believe 'something' exists, you're hardly going to actively seek it.” 

Avis. “Tony Sewell set up Educating Genius because of institutional racism and now it’s gone?  I am listening to him on radio 4 and he is disrespectful and disgraceful. This is so sad.  FACE, we have a mountain to climb because of this report, but on the other hand we will galvanise and not give up. His words “I can’t take a knee as I have two bad knees and I don’t do gestures.”

Sadly, those who refuse to see systemic and institutional racism come in many forms

Benita. “The report was setup to fail Black people and give continued backing to systemic racism using a Black man out for his own self-promotion and 'belonging.' Tony Sewell will be knighted next to show how equal our society is! Sadly, those who refuse to see systemic and institutional racism come in many forms, painful when it's a Black person, it equates to being a collaborator of systemic and institutional racism. It's not over until we have true equality, and this report will be seen for what it is - a WHITE WASH!

It just gives us at FACE, fuel to keep going because more reports will come forward to blow this Boris Johnson inspired pretence of a report out of the water. The truth will always out! We will keep strong and focused and push away the usual hurdles in our way.”

Further reading

Government manipulation: was controversy part of the plan? BBC report here

 To be continued.