Racism takes many different forms, but whether open, insidious or structural, it can take lives and breeds hate. The Pirbright Institute condemns racism and recognises the importance of taking a stand with our employees and the wider research community who are voicing their anguish, anger and deep frustration with systems that oppress and devalue Black lives.
We understand that to engage deeply in anti-racist work involves more than just writing a statement. To support a greater understanding and awareness and change of years of injustice of racist and/or discriminatory practice will involve on-going and long-term commitment.
We understand that to do this, we will need to address the root causes and impacts of stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination, harassment and victimisation, as well as the indirect discrimination that can unintentionally arise from our policies, practices and procedures.
We will work hard to continue to develop a culture where all racist behaviours are challenged, and we will continue to stand against all forms of racism and will encourage our staff and the wider research community to actively seek a greater understanding of being anti-racist.
We are fortunate to have an incredibly diverse workforce and are committed to equality and inclusion for all but need to ensure we are doing enough to eradicate racism and ensure everyone has equal opportunities. Black Lives Matter.
On behalf of The Pirbright Institute Senior Leadership Board:
Prof Bryan Charleston, Institute Director
Dr Andrew White, Director of Risk and Assurance
Dr Michael Johnson, Director of Capability
Helen Watts, Director of Finance