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Original poster

Diversity schemes for young people - mixed race child.

287 replies

Florencesndzebedee · 20/08/2025 15:33

I have a dc who is currently an undergraduate. I am mixed race, my dh is white. Dc is fair skinned but, through my heritage, also has black heritage (my dad is from the Caribbean).

The landscape is tough at the moment getting work placements/internships but some of these schemes are open to dc of black heritage only. My dc is reluctant to apply as he said he’d feel like a fraud, purely on looks - he looks like he might be Spanish or Greek but has blue eyes. The criteria are quite vague other than under represented people )within the organisation) of black/african /Caribbean heritage. I feel like he is entitled to apply and these schemes would give him more options.

Does anyone have any experience of these particular schemes or how they select?

OP posts:
Bringmeahigherlove · 20/08/2025 16:02

Alicealig · 20/08/2025 15:48

Personally I'd avoid any company or hirer that uses the criteria of skin colour as one of their conditions for hiring. What else are they going to judge about and use going forward. I detest these kinds of people and would avoid like the plague. Yes, he 100% would feel like a fraud. It's sad this is even aloud in 2025.

You mean like white skin being the precondition for lots of employers for centuries??

LadyKenya · 20/08/2025 16:01

Alicealig · 20/08/2025 15:48

Personally I'd avoid any company or hirer that uses the criteria of skin colour as one of their conditions for hiring. What else are they going to judge about and use going forward. I detest these kinds of people and would avoid like the plague. Yes, he 100% would feel like a fraud. It's sad this is even aloud in 2025.

It is allowed because for too long people have been overlooked, faced barriers and denied entry into certain jobs, and positions due to the colour of their skin. Be glad that you obviously see no need for these things, as you are not affected!

RainbowBrighite · 20/08/2025 16:01

I think the way forward is to ask yourself honestly: has he been disadvantaged due to his heritage in the way the scheme seeks to support students who have been disadvantaged?
The answer to that is complex, and can be different for two families with the same mixed heritage. If the answer is yes, you know he has been impacted, then talk to him why and boost his confidence with a clear rationale to explain should he wish to do so when challenged.

flossydog · 20/08/2025 16:01

If he's unsure about it, best to listen to his feelings here.

If you could talk to someone behind the program or see who's currently on the scheme, it could help make the decision with more information.

DiscoBob · 20/08/2025 15:59

Well he is of mixed race so does have black heritage. They don't literally judge the legitimacy of your ethic status by how dark your skin is.

So of course he should apply.

RB68 · 20/08/2025 15:56

If on reading the small print he qualifies he is perfectly entitled to go for them, but I can see why he is wary - a bit of "reverse racism" (not sure what to actually call it to be honest) so if he doesn't feel it causes him an issue he can absent himself as well. Its really just down to him, he clearly doesn't feel any need though

LadyKenya · 20/08/2025 15:56

MKDex · 20/08/2025 15:52

I see why its morally tricky. The point of these schemes is to counter the racism people experience as a result of the way they look. Its doesn't sound like that's something your son experiences?

It does sound as if the OP's Son is very unlikely to experience the racism that Black people have to endure, hence the reason for these types of opportunities. I don't know if I would advise that he goes for it though. But he would fit the criteria from what the OP has said.

MKDex · 20/08/2025 15:52

I see why its morally tricky. The point of these schemes is to counter the racism people experience as a result of the way they look. Its doesn't sound like that's something your son experiences?

Alicealig · 20/08/2025 15:48

Personally I'd avoid any company or hirer that uses the criteria of skin colour as one of their conditions for hiring. What else are they going to judge about and use going forward. I detest these kinds of people and would avoid like the plague. Yes, he 100% would feel like a fraud. It's sad this is even aloud in 2025.

mamagogo1 · 20/08/2025 15:38

if he meets the criteria then absolutely fine to apply but just check the rules carefully because only one grandparent may or may not qualify depending on the scheme’s rules. That said you need to take any boost you can get!

Original poster
Florencesndzebedee · 20/08/2025 15:34

Title should say young person rather than child as he is an undergrad!

OP posts: