Curious about equality?

[Lucan Unlordly]

I was asked a question today and don't know the answer?

'Can a Committee covering Equality, Inclusion and Diversity be taken seriously if all members fit a particular profile?'

 

[hikiwari]

No

 

[NickGrogan]

I was asked a question today and don't know the answer?

'Can a Committee covering Equality, Inclusion and Diversity be taken seriously if all members fit a particular profile?'

Yes, as long as that profile isn't white and male. In fact, in many cases, it's a prerequisite.

Quite a few DEI committees fit a very particular profile.

 

[Fagin2021]

Yes, as long as that profile isn't white and male. In fact, in many cases, it's a prerequisite.

Quite a few DEI committees fit a very particular profile.

Like this one...
https://youtu.be/OhZRDoGZg00?si=WYY274hXosYJ1_OS

 

[WaveJumper]

Or this headline:

UN picks Saudi Arabia to lead women’s rights forum despite ‘abysmal’ record​

 

[Lucan Unlordly]

Yes, as long as that profile isn't white and male. In fact, in many cases, it's a prerequisite.

Quite a few DEI committees fit a very particular profile.

In this case the committee is all black, barring one member who's wife is black. The suggestion is that having personal experience of negativity relating to race gives them transferable skills to deal with matters of disability, gender and equality. The person who asked me the question doesn't have the same confidence.

 

[NickGrogan]

In this case the committee is all black, barring one member who's wife is black. The suggestion is that having personal experience of negativity relating to race gives them transferable skills to deal with matters of disability, gender and equality. The person who asked me the question doesn't have the same confidence.

You could challenge it, but you can only challenge the one whose wife is black, as he can't possibly have the same level of understanding as a black person. I'm surprised they made it onto the committee unless they tick another box.

I've never understood how having a "personal experience of negativity" gives anyone skills related to DEI or anything else for that matter.

 

[japancool]

Maybe he's Welsh.

 

[Newchodge]

In this case the committee is all black, barring one member who's wife is black. The suggestion is that having personal experience of negativity relating to race gives them transferable skills to deal with matters of disability, gender and equality. The person who asked me the question doesn't have the same confidence.

Many years ago I took a sex discrimination case to tribunal. The guidance states that there should have been at least one woman on the panel of 3, but as none were available, the tribunal selected an Asian man on the basis that experience of discrimination is transferrable!

The problem is that there are such levels of diversity that it is impossible to cover everything. A group of white men may include gay, trans gender and minority racial groups that are less visible - Irish, traveller, Jewish, for example. In my view the appearance should not matter, what should matter is behavuiour, but that is not always transparent.

 

[Lucan Unlordly]

You could challenge it, but you can only challenge the one whose wife is black, as he can't possibly have the same level of understanding as a black person. I'm surprised they made it onto the committee unless they tick another box.

The issue of the person asking the question relates to gender, not colour. There doesn't appear to be anyone on the committee that has relevant life experience and there's a fear that religious beliefs may interfere with the ability of some members to be impartial.

Simply put, the committee isn't diverse!

 

[NickGrogan]

Committees that investigate any part of DEI tend not to have diverse members or opinions; it goes with the territory.

As @Newchodge mentioned, discrimination is considered transferable, and if you try to object to any of the black members, then you're immediately opening up issues of racism. The fact that you/they are objecting on gender or religious grounds doesn't matter.

Does the committee have any powers that affect the person asking the question?

Otherwise better to let them get on with sharing the conclusion they've already reached.

 

[Lucan Unlordly]

Committees that investigate any part of DEI tend not to have diverse members or opinions; it goes with the territory.

As @Newchodge mentioned, discrimination is considered transferable, and if you try to object to any of the black members, then you're immediately opening up issues of racism. The fact that you/they are objecting on gender or religious grounds doesn't matter.

Does the committee have any powers that affect the person asking the question?

Otherwise better to let them get on with sharing the conclusion they've already reached.

To be honest, I don't have enough detail but my understanding is that the questioner has been offended by someone who's profile on the surface is similar to that of the committee. The committee have the power to dismiss any complaint made.

 

[NickGrogan]

I'd assume that the complaint will be dismissed and go from there.

 

[DanteMosley]

That's definitely an interesting question, gladly here, I can find some time to think about it. Well, if everyone on the Equality, Inclusion, and Diversity Committee is similar, it might make people wonder if they can truly understand and speak for different groups. I think having a mix of people on the committee is better because it brings more ideas and experiences into the conversation.

 

[ethical PR]

In this case the committee is all black, barring one member who's wife is black. The suggestion is that having personal experience of negativity relating to race gives them transferable skills to deal with matters of disability, gender and equality. The person who asked me the question doesn't have the same confidence.

So you are relying on second hand comments from your mate who is making assumptions based on someone's sex/religion

 

[Porky]

@Fagin2021

Your reference to Yes Minister illustrated the point perfectly... brilliant.