The Royal College of Art, one of the most prestigious art facilities in the United Kingdom, has decided to retract the decision of appointing a white, middle-aged man to the role of Head of Inclusion division.
This rather ironic and tone-deaf appointment had been widely criticized by the professors and staff of the facility, saying that it was the physicalization of the systemic racism that protestors around the world have been protested against.
While the visuals of the appointment did not look good, there was no disqualifying trait from the side of Mark Harrison, the former appointee. In fact, Harrison had already served in a similar organization that promoted diversity in the University of London.
However, in a society that has grown hypersensitive to the issue of race since the death of George Floyd in America, the rather reasonable plea that Harrison is suitable for the position fell to deaf years.
Not only did the fellow academic staff issue a statement that overtly criticized the decision using very strong language, but also backed the decision with a vote of no confidence.
According to media reports, RCA immediately withdrew the offer that it had given to Harrison, and said that it will immediately look for a more suitable candidate befitting of the position.
The 800 signatories, which included former and current staff members, pointed out how the decision was made at the worst possible time. They argued that to appoint a white men to be responsible for diversity is an overt marginalization of the calls of the minorities in the streets.
RCA is one of the most prestigious facilities in the UK, especially in the field of arts. Great artists such as David Hockney and Henry Moore have graduated from RCA.
Representation within RCA, especially in the higher echelons of the institution is a problem that they have faced in the past. Whereas just under 20% of the staff are minorities, only 13% of lecturers are of ethnic minority.
The institution has acknowledged that making the campus more diverse that integrates more students from around the world is one of the most important tasks it faces.
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Replaced!