‘Acceptable racism’ in Scotland
Discrimination against Gypsy/Travellers in Scotland is still “acceptable racism”, a young campaigner claims.
Davie Donaldson, 19, said the public’s view of Gypsy/Travellers had “remained stagnant” since the 1980s. He said travellers faced discrimination in education and were often being prevented from setting up camps.
The Scottish Parliament Equalities and Human Rights Committee took evidence about discrimination against Gypsy/Travellers, as part of their efforts to mark Human Rights Day. David was amongst a group of Gypsy/Travellers who gave evidence about their experiences to the Committee.
The most recent Scottish Social Attitudes survey found 34% of people in Scotland believed a Gypsy/Traveller was “‘unsuitable” to be a primary school teacher, and 31% would be unhappy if a close relative married a Gypsy/Traveller.
Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-42193431
You can read the official report of the Committee session (from 6pm Monday 11th) here: http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/ormain.aspx
Image credit: barnyz, flickr