Public Institutions and Impartiality in Times of Endless War

This paper addresses the pressing issue of institutional impartiality and political neutrality, a topic that has come to the forefront in recent statements by public bodies in the UK and globally. Drawing from two distinct research projects—one with Black audio professionals at the BBC, and the other with Black doctoral students at an elite British university—we critically examine how these institutions navigate neutrality amidst ongoing global crises.

Our analysis situates the claim of impartiality within the larger geopolitical context, particularly in relation to the global Black Lives Matter movement and the violence against Palestinians in Gaza, which some consider to be acts of plausible genocide. Universities, while introducing race- and nationality-specific studentships, have avoided publicly condemning this violence, citing a need for neutrality. Meanwhile, public media organizations like the BBC uphold impartiality as an editorial cornerstone, yet use selective, often biased, language when covering different ethnic and national groups.

This paper delves into the lived experiences of individuals working and studying in these spaces, examining how they are personally affected by these contradictory institutional stances. By foregrounding their reflections, we challenge the premise of “neutrality” as an excuse to remain silent in the face of injustice. Their stories raise difficult questions about the limits of freedom of speech, the harm caused by this supposed impartiality, and the ethical responsibility of public institutions. Ultimately, we aim to explore whether these institutions can change—and if so, how—so that they serve not just as neutral entities, but as platforms for justice and equality in an increasingly polarized world.

This nuanced approach positions our work as essential to understanding the stakes of institutional silence in times of global crisis.