Essential learning from the EHRC report into antisemitism in the Labour Party
In light of the Equality and Human Rights Commission report into antisemitism within the Labour Party - which found that the party had acted unlawfully and had not fully investigated and taken action as required under the Equality Act on complaints of antisemitism - BASW reaffirms its commitment to standing against antisemitism and urges action for members of the Jewish community who have been on the receiving end of abuse and harassment.
The contents of the report were stark reading for those inside and outside of the Labour Party, and it laid bare why antisemitism needs to be countered within all institutions and in public forums such as social media.
The Labour party is an ‘association’ in the meaning of the Equality Act and is legally and procedurally required to have in place comprehensive policies and resources to investigate and take action on any discrimination and harassment within its sphere of responsibility.
The report makes clear it did not do that consistently or fully when it came to complaints of antisemitism. The report identifies failings of leadership, culture, policy, process, training and resourcing.
Its main recommendations are:
- Living up to a zero-tolerance commitment
- Rebuilding trust and confidence in antisemitism complaint handling
- Education and training
- Monitor and evaluate improvements to the process to ensure lasting change
BASW continues to stand against antisemitism and all forms of ethnic and religious discrimination, both direct and indirect.
Earlier this year, we joined the act of solidarity with the Jewish community by participating in the 48-hour Twitter walkout in protest of the inaction by Twitter to tackle antisemitism on its platform.
It is vital that positive action is now taken on these recommendations.
We must also not ignore the human impact that this entire episode has had on the wellbeing and mental health of those that have challenged and fought for this issue to be investigated by the EHRC.
Wider learning
There is learning from this report for all institutions, including BASW which is also an association and legally bound to uphold the Equality Act.
Our commitment to tackling racism and oppression goes beyond that. Antisemitism is completely against BASW’s Code of Ethics.
BASW will show leadership as an anti-oppressive and anti-racist organisation, and we are constantly learning and developing in doing this.
Our commitment is to:
- Refer the report and its findings to the BASW Policy Ethics and Human Rights Committee, to ensure all implications for BASW, social work and our membership are understood.
- Work with BASW Council, our members and staff to embed Equality, Diversity and Inclusion throughout BASW and to ensure that people feel able to raise issues and concerns with us
- Look at the specific recommendations and how they relate to our complaints and disciplinary procedures, to training for staff and lead members and to our ethical guidance around social media use
- Include further actions in our Equality Diversity and Inclusion plan by the end of January for sign off in Council at the start of February 2021.