We have family in Winnipeg and if and when we go to visit we want to visit the Canadian Museum for Human Rights which opened in 2014. At least we think we do. In recent months the museum has come under serious scrutiny for systemic racism and discrimination, which is, of course, antithetical to the purpose of the institution.
The museum closed for two days last week while the independent interim report into the situation was shared with staff. It was scathing in its criticism of the marginalization of Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Colour who work at the museum, some of whom have left because of it.
The report also notes that exhibits containing LGBTQ content had been omitted or hidden from school tours on numerous occasions, and we might assume that this is because it would offend more conservative religious groups.
If you go to the museum website a statement about the review and a link to more information is immediately accessible. It's both encouraging and sad.
This is a reminder that no matter what the stated goals of any institution or group may be, including communities of Christian faith, sexism, and racism can and do exist, Strong leadership is a key to conscientiously working to address explicit and implicit discrimination. We can all be vigilant about our own attitudes and actions, particularly as followers of Jesus.
Thoughts?
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