Issue - meetings

Keira Rounsley (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Practitioner)introduced the report. She stated that it shows the core developments in equality, diversity and inclusion and added that the members have seen the annual workforce and gender pay gap report. Keira Rounsley continued that the proactive approach should have a positive impact on these statistics moving forward. She concluded that the report recommends the Council signs up for the West Midlands Inclusive Leadership Pledge and the Council adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism.

Councillor Bill Gifford raised that prior to the meeting, he circulated an email to the committee members and Keira Rounsley as the report author regarding the IHRA definition of antisemitism. He suggested adopting the definition but add the following wording:

1.     It is not Anti-Semitic to criticise the Government of Israel, without additional evidence to suggest Anti-Semitic intent.

2.     It is not Anti-Semitic to hold the Israeli Government to the same standards as other liberal democracies, or to take a particular interest in the Israeli Government’s policies or actions, without additional evidence to suggest Anti-Semitic intent

Councillor Gifford endorsed adding this addition, so freedom of speech is not infringed. He continued that members of the Jewish community developed this wording after it was established in the House of Commons. Councillor Gifford raised that Warwick District Council have adapted this wording. The Chair thanked Councillor Gifford for sharing these points.

The Chair stated that she attended a conference recently where anti-Semitism was discussed; it was recognised that is was serious issue and attendees were sympathetic. The Chair raised that she did not know why this extra wording needed to be added as equality, diversity and inclusion should include all races, religions and gender.

In response to the Chair, Councillor Gifford reiterated that he does not want Warwickshire County Council staff to feel disciplined when speaking against the Israeli government with no anti-Semitic intent. He concluded that staff should feel free to criticise any government and adopting this extra wording distinguishes the difference between being anti-Semitic and anti-Israeli government.

Nichola Vine (Strategy and Commissioning Manager (Legal and Democratic) informed the committee that legally this amendment would need to be seconded by another committee member in order to be voted on by as an amendment. She added that external decisions have considered the final point in the IRHA working definition to be sufficient in its wording to protect free speech. Nichola Vince concluded that Councillor Gifford can vote against the report recommendations.

There was no seconder to Councillor Gifford’s amendment.

The Chair expressed the importance of looking at the issue in a holistic way; however, she understands why the motion was raised. The Chair concluded that this report is for all staff members and they are not looking for someone to be more protected than another regarding freedom of speech.

Resolved:

That the Staff and Pensions Committee:

1.     Notes and comments on the developments in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) across the Council.

2.     Supports the Council signing  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2