The contested topic of institutional racism Week 15 Ethnicity and ‘Race’

Recap Considered complexity of concepts and terms Considered how we can measure the issues

Outline Look at the idea of ‘institutional racism’ Begin with background to the MacPherson Inquiry Consider the debates which arose following its report

Stephen Lawrence 22 April 1993 Stephen Lawrence and Duwayne Brooks were at a bus stop in Eltham, S-East London –They were attacked by a group of white youths and Stephen was murdered –The police failed to fully investigate the murder. –Two men were initially charged but the case was dropped –Stephen’s parents with community support eventually launched a private prosecution which collapsed

Campaigns succeed Following vigorous campaigns by the family and supporters the Police Complaints Authority agree to investigate in March 1997 In July 1997 Jack Straw (New Home Secretary) announces a public inquiry into Stephen's death, chaired by Sir William Macpherson The inquiry had a remit to explore the lessons to be learnt in the investigation and prosecution of racially motivated crimes

Stephen Lawrence Inquiry During the inquiry the Police seemed to refuse to accept that racism played a part in the failures of the investigation The report’s final decision that ‘institutional racism’ was linked to the failings by the police was deemed to be controversial by many sections of society.

What is institutional racism? How would you define institutional racism? What are the key points for you?

MacPherson Definition Institutional racism is: ‘The collective failure of an organisation to provide an appropriate and professional service to people because of their colour, culture or ethnic origin. It can be seen or detected in processes, attitudes and behaviour which amount to discrimination through unwitting prejudice, ignorance, thoughtlessness and racist stereotyping which disadvantage minority ethnic people’. (point 6.34)

Controversial Definition? What is a collective failure? What is unwitting or unintentional prejudice or discrimination? If an organisation is institutionally racist, does it mean everyone working there is racist?

Individuals and institutions Many of the objections from both the Police and others hinge over the ideas about unwitting and collective failures They understand racism as an individual and intention act Many took the report to mean that all Police Officers were racists.

Unintentional racism Can racism be unintentional? Discuss if you think this could be the case?

‘Unwitting racism’ According to the Macpherson Report unwitting racism can occur because of –Lack of understanding, ignorance or mistaken beliefs –Well intentioned but patronising words or actions –Unfamiliarity with the behaviour or cultural traditions –Racist stereotyping of black people More likely to occur in tightly knit communities Leading to a collective failure to detect and to outlaw this breed of racism. (from section 6.17)

Critiques of MacPherson Report Although charged with institutional racism, this also to some extent let the police off –Unwitting rather than deliberate It uncovered bad practice and attempted cover-ups but left these largely unsanctioned

Right-wing press responses Some newspapers launched a bitter attack upon the Macpherson report’s use and the definition of ‘institutional racism’. The Daily Mail had campaigned for justice for the Lawrence family but described its findings as encouraging a ‘witch-hunt’

Who are racists? In general terms the newspapers portrayed the UK as a tolerate country with a few ‘bad apples’ Racism is distanced from mainstream society The idea of widespread and deep-seated was wrong and risked undermining the views of ordinary tolerant (white) people.

New measures The Race Relations Act (2001) set in place a statutory duty on public authorities to promote ‘race’ equality. The aim was to ensure they provide fair and accessible services, and to improve equal opportunities in employment.

The Race Relations Act (2001) Do you think that this is likely to overcome previous problems? Can you think of any problems that might arise?

Trends and Threats Racism (both overt and to some extent unwilling) as a concept is now widely condemned But certain groups of people are still overtly discriminated against – without widespread condemnation –Asylum seekers –Gypsies and Travellers

Racism or Security? Imperial College, London banned veils on its premises, stating that ‘Clothing obscuring an individual's face is not allowed on any of the College's campuses’ It has taken this stance for ‘security reasons’ Is this a case of institutional racism?

Summary Considered the MacPherson Report and the debates it raised. Considered the term ‘institutional racism’ Related these to wider issues of ‘race’ and racism.