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Equality and Diversity

September 5th, 2011

The week that was…

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Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Equality and Diversity

September 5th, 2011

The week that was…

0 comments

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Monitoring Muslim students to counter Islamic radicalisation, ordering Councils to end ‘diversity quiz’, an epic equal pay battle in Sheffield, Vogue’s Japanese controversy and much more in our weekly news.

Universities in the UK have been asked to provide information on ‘vulnerable’ Muslim students to the police, the Guardian reports. Staff including lecturers, porters and chaplains are expected to cooperate in this move to counter Islamic radicalisation. The revamped Prevent strategy has been criticised by the National Union of Students (who have also refused to provide any information unless shown a warrant) and university staff for infringing on civil liberties. James Haywood, president of Goldsmiths college students’ union said, “After the rise of hate groups such as the English Defence League, and the recent massacre in Norway, why are Prevent not also telling us to refer on students who have an irrational hatred of Islam?”

While the government is trying to increase the monitoring of Muslim students, Councils have been told to do away with ‘diversity’ quiz. The government apparently thinks that it’s intrusive to ask questions about race, sexual orientation and health on a local library’s registration form. Communities Secretary Eric Pickles explained: “Clamping down on such town hall activity will save taxpayers’ money and protect the privacy of residents of all backgrounds.”

The EHRC is meanwhile undertaking an inquiry into disability related harassment and how well this is currently being addressed by public authorities. The Commission is keen to hear from disabled people, public authorities and transport providers about examples of good practice in tackling disability-related harassment. If you want to take part in their work, please email disabilityharassmentfi@equalityhumanrights.com.

The equal pay battle between the Sheffiled City Council and its female workers has gone to the supreme court. The hearing will be held in October over three days before five justices. The case Gibson and others vs Sheffield City Council started in an employment tribunal. The court of appeal that heard the case last year judged that productivity bonuses granted to male street cleaners and gardeners were indirectly discriminatory against women doing work of equal value (as carers and dinner ladies). Sheffield Council would be facing compensation claims of £20 million if the court of appeal’s judgement is upheld by the supreme court.

On this note, read the post ‘Money, power and sex: where do we stand today?’ on the blog.

Lastly, Vogue has landed in controversy again by taping Crystal Renn’s eyes back apparently to create a ‘Japanese’ look. The behind-the-scenes footage released by Japanese Vogue features the model Crystal Renn with transparent body tape on her temples stretching the skin around her eyes giving her a ‘feline’ look. Vogue hasn’t responded to the controversy yet.
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To contribute to the weekly news, please write to a.islam1@lse.ac.uk

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Equality and Diversity

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