Jo
It's still ageism, which is a cultural disease rife in academia and
science as a whole that no amount of anti-discrimination legislation
will eradicate.
As for the BA's justification for imposing an age limit for the Award
Lectures, this mistakenly assumes that only young people can
communicate with young people, and act as positive role models for them.
When I was at school long, long ago, I was inspired by young and
older teachers alike, but many of the younger teachers' inexperience
manifested itself as an inability to communicate effectively with
their audience. I found that it was often older, more experienced
professionals whose delivery made a greater impact, and who commanded
admiration and respect from students. Talk to students, and you will
discover that the same applies today.
By imposing age restrictions, the BA is not only engaging in
discrimination, but shrinking the pool from which to choose the best
science communicators. This makes no sense.
regards
Francis Sedgemore
On 15 Nov 06, at 11:08, Joanne Coleman wrote:
> Hi Leslie,
>
> We impose an age limit because as a secondary aspect of the Award
> Lectures we also see them as providing positive role models for the
> many teenagers who attend the lectures, We don't specifically state
> this as we don't want to give the impression that people are being
> nominated for a schools lecture - it is very much communicating
> with a wide range of people.
>
> I did look into the age discrimination laws and couldn't find
> anything which related to the awarding of prizes or recognition. If
> anyone knows any different to this then please let me know.
>
> As I am sure you know, there are plenty of opportunities for anyone
> of any age, or at any stage in their career, to get involved in the
> Festival.
>
> Thanks
>
> Jo
--
Dr Francis Sedgemore
telephone: +44 (0)7840 191336
website: www.skysong.eu
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