A thought-provoking hour in the King's Question Time 2022 on Diversity and Inclusion...

Discussing Diversity and Inclusion in an open forum is going to be difficult. Issues are raised that are controversial. However, our range of panellists, including Dr Finn Mackay and Dr Nilufar Ahmed from UWE and Bristol University, elevated the discussion and they provided interesting perspectives. Raymond and Esther were 2 Old Brutonians on the panel. They were able to answer questions from the pupils on their perception of discrimination in school in comparison with life after school, and ideas in the future for King’s to promote greater diversity. Mr David Walsh offered a disabled perspective. He had been involved in a serious car accident in his early 20s, resulting in a partial loss of his right arm and a leg amputation. He talked about people’s micro-aggressions and these being more damaging than often the bigger things.

The pupils offered the most thought provoking questions from private schools, making a show of engaging with more fashionable versions of diversity and inclusion, by recognising Black History Month and Pride, to who the panel thinks will be the next James Bond. Our vote was for Raymond.

Alison Grant - Deputy Head

‘A really thought-provoking hour.  It was great to see two Old Brutonians talk about such weighty matters with such passion and eloquence.’

'Listening to the panel’s eloquently presented experiences and viewpoints of discrimination based on gender, race and disability was extremely thought provoking, it is clear that this is just the start of the conversation of this topic at King’s.'

'The panel discussion opened up a vital debate about diversity and inclusion. The discussion was particularly important for those of us leaving King’s at the end of this academic year, as it provided us with knowledge for greater sensitivity and emotional intelligence to make us kind, respectful, and empathetic citizens as we go into the wider world.'

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