Society and Culture

Oxfam’s staff survey is “self-evidently racist”, says IEA Head of Cultural Affairs


Commenting on Oxfam’s ‘whiteness survey’, Marc Glendening, Head of Cultural Affairs at free market think tank the Institute of Economic Affairs, said:

“Oxfam’s survey to its staff is self-evidently racist.

“The document is based on the assertion that all individuals by virtue of a particular skin pigmentation and genetic origin have ‘power’ and dominate those people who are non-white.

“No evidence is advanced for this sweeping claim which is reminiscent of the fascistic identity politics of the 1930s.

“It would be unsurprising if many of Oxfam’s donors reevaluate their support for the charity.”

Andy Mayer, Chief Operating Officer at the Institute of Economic Affairs, added:

“Employers should not be creating a hostile working environment for their staff.

“Treating people differently and prejudicially on the grounds of their race is, indeed, self-evidently racist. Implementing policies that encourage such treatment is structural racism.

“Both are illegal and undermine efforts to build a culture where people are treated fairly, as individuals, worthy of dignity and respect at work.”

ENDS

 

Notes to editors

Contact: Emily Carver, Head of Media, 07715842731

IEA spokespeople are available for interview or further comment.



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