Whites Need Not Apply: Journalist Fellowship Offered Only to ‘Journalists of Color’
18th August 2016
Martin Reynolds, the fellowship director, spoke to this me over the phone Wednesday afternoon. When asked whether white journalists should bother applying to the program, Reynolds pointed to the fact the grant is for journalists of color. Asked what “colors” specifically, Reynolds said racial and ethnic minorities.
I pointed out that I am Argentine and asked whether this would allow me to qualify for this opportunity. Reynolds then asked if I was a “white male” and I responded in the affirmative, but pointed out that I’m still an ethnic minority. Reynolds then said that people “understand” if they operate within a “community of color.” The fellowship director said that he doesn’t require a photo of the applicant to check their color because he trusts their “integrity.”
When asked if the program is discriminatory, Reynolds said “no.” He viewed the program as necessary to cover a disparity in journalism. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race in employment.
Just in case you were wondering why ‘journalism’ is so defective.