Tony Sewell, a British educational consultant and former chair of the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities, challenges misconceptions about race and class in the UK. He argues that the debates on racial inequality often overlook class factors. Sewell discusses the impact of family structure on educational outcomes and advocates for data-driven policies tailored to diverse backgrounds. He also highlights the role of education in social mobility, emphasizing collaboration between schools and industries to empower underprivileged youth.

For this archive debate from 2019, we invited a panel of top speakers to discuss the motion: The West Should Pay Reparations For Slavery. Should there be a broad programme of reparations – not just financial compensation, but acknowledgement of the crimes committed and the lasting damage caused by slavery? Or would this just worsen social tensions by reopening old wounds? Arguing for the motion were Kehinde Andrews, Professor of Black Studies at Birmingham City University; and Esther Stanford-Xosei, reparations activist and lawyer. Arguing against the motion were Katharine Birbalsingh, headmistress and co-founder of Michaela Community School in London; and Tony Sewell, educational consultant and CEO of the charity Generating Genius. The debate was chaired by social historian, author and academic, Emma Dabiri....Did you know that Intelligence Squared offers way more than podcasts? We’ve just launched a new online streaming platform Intelligence Squared+ and we’d love you to give it a go. It’s packed with more than 20 years’ worth of video debates and conversations on the world’s hottest topics. Tune in to live events, ask your questions or watch back on-demand totally ad-free with hours of discussion to dive into for just £14.99 a month. Visit intelligencesquaredplus.com to start watching today.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tony Sewell discusses the myth of structural racism, the paternalism of white liberals, and the patriotism of ethnic minorities. The podcast also covers the impact of Black Success and Brixton riots, factors influencing educational success in the Black community, challenges stereotypes in outcomes analysis, and explores disrupting narratives and restoring agency in society.