UPDATE: The Standards Committee report is now available from the Council’s Website.
Report of an investigation under Section 59 of the Local Government Act 2000 by Shahzia Daya appointed by the monitoring officer for Bristol City Council into an allegation concerning Councillor Shirley Brown.
Councillor Brown says of her use of the term ‘coconut’
‘’They were not meant with any racial connotation. Councillor Jethwa spoke about funding, that she was from an East African background, she made reference to socialist style handouts, referred to the use of the English language and made reference to the Legacy Commission by saying that the Council was trying to make futile attempts to write historic wrongs. I was angry. She is from Africa and the Commission is there to help people know their history. She is from Africa and should have an understanding of the Legacy Commission.
I meant that she is in denial of her roots. No racial connotation was meant, simply that she had no knowledge of her history/roots given that she was from Africa’’.
Via the Evening Post (the BBC’s version has disappeared with a 404 error):
A report into a Bristol city councillor who called a colleague a "coconut" during a debate says she should face no further action […]
It was during a speech at the council's annual budget meeting in February that Mrs Brown, who is black, told Mrs Jethwa, who is Asian: "In our culture we have a word for you, a word which many in our city would understand, and that's coconut. At the end of the day I look at you as that." […]
But a report, carried out by council official Shahzia Daya, recommends that although a racial slur was used no further action is needed because Mrs Brown has apologised.
Ms Daya said: "This was an isolated incident that took place during a heated and fractious political debate. [JMB: doesn’t look very fractious on the video].
"My conclusion is that although the term 'coconut' undeniably has a racial element to it, its use in this particular context does not constitute racial abuse.
"It is, however, an offensive and insulting term. The choice of language was inappropriate.
"I am of the view that Councillor Brown breached the code of conduct for members in that she failed to treat a fellow councillor with respect by using a racial slur during the full council debate on February 24.
"If I am asked to recommend a sanction then I would say that no further action is required given that Councillor Brown apologised for her comments.
"The committee may wish to consider recommending further training for all councillors on behaviour expected at full council, given the general debate that took place on February 24."
Well, that all makes perfect sense.
