Equality is not ‘pernicious’, it provides the foundations of a fair and thriving society - Matt Bromley

Whilst in Yorkshire, denied the more rigorous schooling afforded to boys, Wollstonecraft fashioned her own curriculum from conversation, observation, and a fierce autodidactic appetite. Later, as a governess and schoolmistress she saw, at close quarters, how girls were trained for display rather than thought. The experience did not embitter her; rather, it emboldened her. When she moved to London and entered the radical circles of dissenters and reformers, she contended that women were not naturally inferior to men but only rendered so by the poverty of their education. Reason, she insisted, had no sex.

In ‘A Vindication of the Rights of Woman’, Wollstonecraft refutes the educational and political theorists of the 18th century who did not believe women should receive a full education. She argues that women ought to have an education commensurate with their position in society, claiming that women are essential to the nation because they educate its children and because they could be ‘companions’ to their husbands, rather than mere wives.

All of this came to mind recently when I read of Reform UK’s plans, if elected, to abolish the Equality Act 2010. Soon after defecting from the Conservatives, Suella Braverman, the former home secretary, was given responsibility for equalities policy, and said Reform would scrap the role of equalities minister. She said the country was being "ripped apart by diversity, equality and inclusion" and Reform would repeal the Act, passed by New Labour, which contains legal safeguards against discrimination for those with a protected characteristic, such as sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion or belief, and race.

Braverman said the move would "build a country defined by meritocracy, not tokenism" and "personal responsibility, not victimhood". The party did not set out what would replace the legislation, but Farage said it would mean "getting rid of the pernicious, divisive notion of protected characteristics".

We must reject claims that equality, diversity, and inclusion are “pernicious” because, taken together, EDI provides the foundations of a fair and thriving society. Equality is about ensuring everyone has the same opportunities, removing barriers that prevent individuals from achieving their potential.

Crucially, this does not mean treating everyone identically but rather equitably, accounting for different starting points and needs.

Diversity means celebrating differences between people, recognising and valuing the varied backgrounds, identities, and perspectives that enrich a community.

And inclusion is about ensuring that diverse individuals feel welcomed, valued, and respected, and are able to participate fully in society.

Matt Bromley is CEO of bee and chair of the Building Equity in Education campaign. Find out more at http://bee-online.uk