The Boston Globe, one of the most prominent newspapers in the US, is facing criticism and boycott calls from some readers and activists after it was sued by a conservative group over its diversity fellowships program.
What is the lawsuit about?
The lawsuit, filed by Judicial Watch on behalf of a white male applicant, alleges that the Boston Globe discriminated against him on the basis of race, sex, and national origin when it rejected his application for a fellowship in 2020. The lawsuit claims that the Boston Globe’s diversity fellowships, which aim to recruit and train journalists from underrepresented backgrounds, violate federal and state civil rights laws by excluding white males and favoring certain minority groups.
The lawsuit seeks to end the diversity fellowships program, as well as monetary damages and attorney fees for the plaintiff. Judicial Watch, a conservative watchdog group that has filed lawsuits against former President Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, and other public figures, said that the Boston Globe’s program is “an affront to the rule of law and equal protection of the laws for all Americans.”
How did the Boston Globe respond?
The Boston Globe defended its diversity fellowships program, saying that it is “proud of our efforts to foster a more inclusive and representative newsroom.” The newspaper said that the program is “one of many tools we use to ensure that our coverage reflects the community we serve” and that it “complies with all applicable laws.”
The newspaper also said that it has hired more than 20 fellows since 2018, some of whom have become full-time staff members. The newspaper said that the fellows have contributed to its coverage of important issues such as racial justice, immigration, health care, and education.
The Boston Globe’s editor-in-chief, Brian McGrory, said that the lawsuit is “a cynical attempt to undermine our commitment to diversity” and that he is “confident that we will prevail in court.”
What are the reactions from readers and activists?
The lawsuit has sparked mixed reactions from readers and activists, some of whom have expressed support for the Boston Globe’s diversity efforts, while others have accused the newspaper of racism and sexism.
Some readers have praised the newspaper for its initiative to increase diversity and representation in its newsroom and its coverage. They have argued that the diversity fellowships program is necessary to address the historical and ongoing marginalization of people of color, women, and other groups in the media industry. They have also pointed out that the program does not exclude white males, but rather seeks to create more opportunities for underrepresented journalists.
However, some readers have criticized the newspaper for its program, saying that it discriminates against white males and violates the principle of meritocracy. They have claimed that the program lowers the standards of journalism and creates a biased and agenda-driven coverage. They have also questioned the legitimacy and credibility of Judicial Watch as a plaintiff.
Some activists have also weighed in on the lawsuit, calling for a boycott of the Boston Globe until it ends its diversity fellowships program. They have accused the newspaper of being “anti-white” and “anti-male” and of promoting “reverse racism” and “reverse sexism.” They have also urged other media outlets to follow suit and sue the newspaper for its alleged discrimination.
