Question:
At a recent Council meeting, you said that equality and diversity were hardwired in WBC’s DNA. You then proceeded to make public statements that have caused outrage to black residents, staff and the public. You have since launched a survey to understand racism more; despite saying, equality is being hardwired. Clearly the statements made by you about equality and diversity is contradicted by your offensive comments, is equality genuinely WBC's DNA. What research did you conduct on BLM before your statements were made and can you explain how and why such an important mandate on the Council’s position was considered?
Minutes:
Question
At a recent Council meeting, you said that equality and diversity were hardwired in WBC’s DNA. You then proceeded to make public statements that have caused outrage to black residents, staff and the public. You have since launched a survey to understand racism more; despite saying, equality is being hardwired. Clearly the statements made by you about equality and diversity is contradicted by your offensive comments, is equality genuinely WBC's DNA. What research did you conduct on BLM before your statements were made and can you explain how and why such an important mandate on the Council’s position was considered?
Answer
I was as shocked and disgusted at the killing of George Floyd as any other right thinking person and it is my sincere hope that the world can change for the better as a result of the outcry it has produced.
I completely support the message, principles and the aims of Black Lives Matter in the UK. I have always been opposed to discrimination in all its forms. I understand the need today to have a clear focus on tackling racism where it is found.
If any comments that I have made have been offensive to anybody then I apologise unreservedly. That was never my intention; rather by reaching out we had hoped to bring residents together. I fully support Nelson Mandela who said “I detest racialism, because I regard it as a barbaric thing, whether it comes from a black man or a white man.”
Wokingham Borough Council is anti-racist, promotes equality and celebrates diversity. We are determined to do better to ensure that every resident in the Borough feels truly valued.
We are proud of the work we do with the BME Forum and worked with its Chair and Vice-Chair to produce the public survey you mention. The survey allows anybody who has experienced racism in any form as well as anybody with views on how this issue can be tackled. It is deliberately an open, listening exercise that acknowledges there will be problems we have not seen and answers we have not thought of. The survey is open throughout July and August and I urge everybody to take part.
In March 2017, we adopted an equalities policy which was published on the website. The position the Council has taken is underpinned by that policy. Whilst we accept that we may need to revisit the policy, any change would need to be passed by Full Council.
I accept that as Martin Luther King said, “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” “We must learn to live together as brothers, or we will perish together as fools.”
I am genuinely surprised and shocked that the rational, energetic, determined, and reasonable approach that the Council has taken should be considered offensive. I can only reiterate my and the Council’s ongoing commitment to combat racism, strive for equality and celebrate diversity.
Supplementary Question:
Could you tell me what kind of resources that you actually have and how will you be putting these into place, and what are your personal thoughts on it?
Supplementary Answer:
We employ about 1200 people and those are the resources we will apply, plus our influence to be anti-racist and to promote equality and diversity.