https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8751573/Parliamentary-staff-told-write-poems-privilege-wake-Black-Lives-Matter-protests.htmlParliamentary staff told to write poems about privilege on a 'digital wall' made after Black Lives Matter protests with one woke worker insisting they can no longer watch police comedy Brooklyn Nine-Nine over its 'cosy lies'
Parliamentary staff have been urged to admit their 'privilege' on a digital wall
Staff can write poetry and give their support for BAME colleagues on the wall
The digital platform was set up by Parliament's diversity group Parli-REACH
By Kate Dennett For Mailonline
Published: 00:00, 20 September 2020 | Updated: 11:48, 20 September 2020
Parliamentary staff have been urged to admit their 'privilege' through an online platform that has been set up in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests. Officials have reportedly been issued with an 'inclusivity toolkit' by senior figures which encourages white workers to acknowledge their 'internalised racism'. The digital wall was set up by Parliament's diversity group Parli-REACH for staff to profess their privilege, write poetry and give their 'support' for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) colleagues, according to the Telegraph. This comes soon after staff were given advice on how to support Black Lives Matter protests, such as 'attending protests and social media use', after Edward Colston's statue was pulled down in Bristol in June. Messages posted on the digital 'solidarity and support' wall include one woman saying: 'As a white woman I acknowledge my privilege and continue to educate myself.'
One person posted on the platform arguing that staff could no longer watch American comedy series Brooklyn Nine-Nine, which stars Andy Samberg, because it sold a 'cosy lie' about policing.
And another wrote that 'as a white man I am conscious of the privilege I have', the Telegraph reported.
But the admissions have been described as 'divisive' by some MPs, who are calling for a review of public institutions. Tory MPs Danny Kruger and Miram Caters told the Telegraph that a 'woke consensus' has 'taken hold' of 'parts of Whitehall', warning the party not to 'pander' to its supporters with policy. A House of Commons spokesperson said: 'Racism has no place in Parliament and we are committed to becoming a diverse and inclusive workplace. There are no two sides to racism and we recognise this is an issue on which some of our colleagues may wish to make their voice heard. In line with most organisations, Parliament has Workplace Equality Networks including ParliREACH, which provide an opportunity for groups of people to discuss and consider issues relevant to their situation. Relevant staff, including senior staff and those in regular and direct contact with Members, are regularly reminded of their responsibility to be impartial on party political matters.'
Documents obtained by the Telegraph reportedly show the House of Commons staff leaders promising that George Floyd's death in May would be a 'catalyst for change' in Parliament. It was also revealed that new unconscious bias training and more online resources have been given out to staff, including the new digital wall. A Minneapolis police officer knelt on the neck of George Floyd, 46, for nearly nine minutes and his death has led to global protests against racism, colonialism and police brutality.
