Racism persists despite equality gains, admits CRE chief

Cash-strapped Commission for Racial Equality will have to work far harder with fewer resources than ever as the millennial tide of institutional racism washes over Britain.

Fresh evidence of racial inequalities is expected following recent admissions of institutional racism in public services where Black, Asian, and ethnic minorities are especially vulnerable. IR has been admitted in the civil service, immigration, judicial and criminal justice systems, and police, fire, educational and social services.

In universities, considered bastions of liberalism, widespread discrimination against ethnic minority academics in appointments and promotions has been uncovered by researchers at the Policy Studies Institute and Bristol University. New studies may confirm discriminatory practices in the nation's businesses, housing associations, sports, leisure, and hotel industries, and in journalism schools and the media as reported in The Chronicle.

Faced with mounting evidence of racial inequalities in Britain, the CRE's budget of £15,290,000 for the year 1999/2000 is poorer than required. Up only by a few hundreds of pounds over last year's budget, and with 25 jobs less than before, the figure will be grossly inadequate.

Principles and practice

Sir Herman Ouseley

Introducing the CRE annual report, Sir Herman Ouseley, chairman of Britain's sole agency for race equality, emphasised a number of positive points in its favour. The CRE gave expert advice to the Stephen Lawrence enquiry and pressed for more education and leadership "to ensure effective policing in a multi-ethnic society".

The report shows the CRE fielded 10,000 calls from persons alleging victimisation by racial discrimination. Detailed enquiries often led to negotiated agreements for change. Two widely publicised "partnerships" for better race relations were announced with the Ministry of Defence and the London Borough of Hackney council.

Importantly, CRE lobbying led to the inclusion of equal opportunity practices in several new regional political organisations - the Greater London Authority, the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Assembly. In addition, regeneration and regional redevelopment agencies were urged to address racial equality issues and involve minority groups in programmes.

The social and racial situation
However, the facts show a disturbing picture. Despite a period of high growth and falling unemployment in the labour market, joblessness has risen sharply among Black and Asian groups. They are also over represented in police stop and searches, permanent exclusions from school, and more likely than whites to be detained in prisons and mental hospitals.

Black and Asian youth are especially affected by race inequalities and are more likely to be excluded from job placements with employers, according to the Department for Education and Employment.

Faced with this evidence, the CRE admits "there have been alarming increases in the number of racist incidents in Britain, and most disturbingly, rising levels of openly acknowledged racial prejudice."

Need for change
The rise and rise of race problems prompts questions about the CRE's survival and growth into the 21st century. More resources are need for the CRE to continue to do what it is committed to do under the Race Relations Act, namely trying to set standards for equal rights and provide support and redress for aggrieved individuals.

Furthermore, some critics say the 25-year old Race Relations Act must be overhauled to give the commission strengthened powers to combat race discrimination. Sir Herman's annual report argues for "urgent reform" of the Act. This must include two antidote's to virulent institutional racism. There must be legal recognition of the rights of individuals and groups to protection against race discrimination. Furthermore, Britain's corporate and institutional leaders should be made responsible by law for positive action to ensure black and ethnic minority entry and advancement in their organisations.