Only Black, Asian or minority ethnic people can apply to The Guardian’s work experience schemes, causing a wave of anger online as white working-class people are excluded.
The Guardian and Observer Positive Action Schemes offer a two-week work placement in London for those in an “underrepresented group”. People who are disabled are also eligible to apply.
Justifying the placement, the publication said: “The Guardian believes there should be a better representation of our diverse society in the media and each summer offers two-week work experience placements for those from underrepresented groups who are aiming to start a career in journalism.”
Successful applicants will be assigned to one of six different schemes, ranging from news to photography.
The Guardian's work experience schemes exclude white-working class people from being able to apply
PAHowever, the criteria to be able to apply has riled many up online, with critics slamming the Guardian for failing to extend the opportunity to white-working-class people.
“I think I’m correct that white working-class males are the most educationally disadvantaged group and have least upwards social mobility of any group,” one user said on social media.
A second said: “If your a middle class or higher BAME you've hit the jackpot”.
“It's easier to just write ‘If you're an able-bodied White person, you need not apply’,” a third joked.
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One user on social media pointed out that almost half of the most influential journalists were privately educated.
They said: “43 per cent of the UK's 100 most influential broadcasters and editors went to private school.
“The fact that we don't include white working-class people in diversity schemes, but an Eton-educated Asian person would be eligible is insane.”
Another user had a similar thought: “A young Rishi Sunak, nuclear family, upper-middle class, Eton, Oxford, would qualify for your scheme, a young man white man raised by a single mother on benefits in a post-industrial town like Barrow, who served in the military and did an Open University degree would not.”
One user pointed out that all of the editors-in-chief, bar one, have been privately educated. Katherine Viner, the exception to the rule, however, did go to a boarding grammar school.
Another supported The Guardian’s attempts to recruit more ethnic minorities, but questioned why this same treatment could not be spread to those who are economically underprivileged.
University of Bradford announced it would provide scholarships to white-working class men
Google mapsThey said: “Its great BAME schemes are so universal in large orgs these days but the lack of support for those from underprivileged backgrounds is really dispiriting.”
Critics have also slammed the scheme for not providing accommodation to successful candidates, putting a financial strain on those who do not live in the city and potentially discouraging them from applying.
Last December, Bradford University announced it would provide scholarships to white-working class men.
Under the scholarship, white men will be set to benefit from grants up to £400 a month to go towards living costs while they study
Speaking to GB News, Mansfield MP Ben Bradley backed the university and said the decision was based on data.
“Whilst my over-arching view is that race should play no part in people's ability to access scholarships and support, for as long as the Equality Act exists then it should be used properly.
“That means offering support for those who are under-represented, based on data and evidence rather than assumptions and stereotypes."
A Guardian News & Media spokesperson said: “The Positive Action Scheme, which is aimed at encouraging better representation of our diverse society in the media, is one of a number of schemes run by Guardian News and Media, which also includes the industry-leading Scott Trust bursary programme and the Hugo Young award, both of which explicitly encourage applicants from lower socio-economic backgrounds.”