Oxford’s Equality and Diversity Unit: ‘Not making eye contact’ may be sign of ‘subtle racism’

A newsletter recently put out by Oxford University warns that “subtle racism” may be present when a white individual is hesitant to make eye contact.

Oxford’s Equality and Diversity Unit’s “Trinity Term 2017” newsletter seeks to inform readers what editors mean when they say they are “working to advance race equality.” The issue covers “unconscious” bias, “everyday racism,” and “affinity bias” in an attempt to educate readers on “microaggressions.”

Warning signs of racism include:

• “Not making eye contact or speaking directly to people.”
• “Not believing someone is British. (’Where are you from? No, I mean originally.’)”
• “’Jokes’ drawing attention to someone’s difference, their accent, or nationality.”

The newsletter, first reported by The U.K. Telegraph, drew a strong rebuke from Dr. Joanna Williams, a lecturer at the University of Kent.

“Essentially, people are being accused of a thought crime,” Dr. Williams said, the newspaper reported Saturday. “They are being accused of thinking incorrect thoughts based on an assumption of where they may or may not be looking.”

Dr. Williams said Oxford’s Equality and Diversity Unit is creating a situation that is diametrically opposed to its stated intentions.

“It is really problematic. It means people can’t relate to each other naturally, they have rules in the back of their mind and they can’t be spontaneous as their interactions are all overlaid with the desire to follow all these rules,” she said.

An Oxford University spokesperson disagreed, telling the newspaper: “The Equality and Diversity Unit works with University bodies to ensure that the University’s pursuit of excellence goes hand in hand with freedom from discrimination and equality of opportunity. The newsletter is one way of advising and supporting staff towards achieving these aims.”