I am retired from the arts in Scotland. Prior to retiring I witnessed an explosion of ‘black only/BAME/BIPOC/global majority’ programs and posts being advertised. Am I right that these are illegal? I saw the same people who met the criteria get hired again and again (Scotland is 93% white). It seems there is a disproportionate amount of funds available for such projects and posts (to counter racism/colonialism). When access to arts and arts opportunities in particular in (white) areas with much deprivation are overlooked.
This started by Tony Bliar’s New Labour government many years ago.
It started, quite reasonably, with the insistence that government departments should be blind to the candidates skin colour and sex. Rules were introduced to ensure people were chosen on experience and ability, all perfectly reasonable.
However the problem starts with dumb government (and it is also prevalent in the private sector) setting targets, once targets are set they change the behaviour of everything gets manipulated to achieve them.
I am retired from the arts in Scotland. Prior to retiring I witnessed an explosion of ‘black only/BAME/BIPOC/global majority’ programs and posts being advertised. Am I right that these are illegal? I saw the same people who met the criteria get hired again and again (Scotland is 93% white). It seems there is a disproportionate amount of funds available for such projects and posts (to counter racism/colonialism). When access to arts and arts opportunities in particular in (white) areas with much deprivation are overlooked.
This started by Tony Bliar’s New Labour government many years ago.
It started, quite reasonably, with the insistence that government departments should be blind to the candidates skin colour and sex. Rules were introduced to ensure people were chosen on experience and ability, all perfectly reasonable.
However the problem starts with dumb government (and it is also prevalent in the private sector) setting targets, once targets are set they change the behaviour of everything gets manipulated to achieve them.