Commenting on reports that the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester has launched a mandatory book club to educate staff on racism, including Critical Race Theory, Marc Glendening, Head of Cultural Affairs at free market think tank the Institute of Economic Affairs, said:

“If the theatre’s artistic directors actually do respect diversity of opinion, I expect they will balance the reading they are intending to impose upon their staff with texts arguing that ‘white privilege’ is a myth and that Critical Race Theory itself has racist implications. This issue needs to be properly debated.

“The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Nadine Dorries, should be aware that many institutions now using their facilities to promote one-sided ideological materials are in receipt of taxpayers’ money. This is inappropriate, and efforts should be made to stop publicly-funded bodies from inculcating staff with a one-sided education.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

Contact: Emily Carver, Head of Media, 07715942731

IEA spokespeople are available for interview and further comment.