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Stephen
Lawrence Task Group |
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| Reports |
Introduction The
McPherson Report into the murder of Stephen Lawrence marks a watershed in
the history of race relations in Britain. Its devastating criticism of the
Metropolitan Police gave cause for concern for all organisations. The
Inquiry define institutionalised racism as “the collective failure of an
organisation to provide an appropriate and professional service to people
because of their colour, culture or ethnic origin”. The definition went
on to identify: “attitudes and behaviour which amounts to discrimination
through unwitting prejudice, ignorance, thoughtlessness and racist
stereotyping which disadvantages minority ethnic people.” No
organisation, including trade unions can be exempt from the charge of
institutionalised racism. Unions have to make sure that their own
structures and systems are free from discrimination and to re-double
efforts to ensure that racism and prejudice have no place in all aspects
of employment. The South West TUC has played an active part in combating
race discrimination in the South West for some years. It therefore seemed
right to organise a major event to help consider these issues afresh and
to highlight what needs to be done. The
Conference took place in Easton Community Centre on 23 February. It
attracted a large audience, some had to be turned away due to the demand. After
showing the TUC Respect video, Gill Nelson, Chair of South West TUC opened
the day with a call for everyone to face up to the challenges set by the
Stephen Lawrence Inquiry. | |
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