Women Holding 'White Male Privilege' Belief Protected from Discrimination in UK

Women who believe in the concept of "white male privilege" are now legally protected under equality laws, a judge has ruled.

The belief that white men benefit from unacknowledged advantages due to their race and gender has been deemed a protected philosophical belief, similar to veganism or gender-critical views.

This decision emerged from the case of Misti Kilburn, a senior HR manager and self-identified feminist, who is taking legal action against a global manufacturing firm, alleging both belief-based and sex-based discrimination.

Ms Kilburn left the company in November 2023 and initiated legal proceedings in February 2024. Her claims include discrimination, unfair and wrongful dismissal, as well as victimisation.

A Legitimate Belief System

Employment Judge George Alliott stated: “We are satisfied that [Ms Kilburn] sincerely believes white middle-aged men hold an inherent advantage, particularly in the workplace, while women continue to face disadvantages in that same context.

“We acknowledge that this belief is widely shared—many people agree that white middle-aged men tend to have workplace advantages, while women often experience disadvantages.”

Judge Alliott also pointed out that discussions about the "glass ceiling" are common in politics and frequently backed by evidence, such as the lack of women in leadership roles within FTSE 100 companies.

He continued: “These views, in our opinion, reflect a broader perception that inequality in the workplace exists and must be addressed through equal opportunity initiatives and the advancement of women’s rights.

“It is the lens through which [Ms Kilburn] views the world.”

‘The Future is Female’

The hearing also noted that Ms Kilburn holds the philosophical belief that “white middle-aged men possess an invisible, often unconscious privilege in various areas of life, both public and private, due to their gender, age, and race.”

She further stated that “women remain disadvantaged across many areas of society, and that factors like age and ethnicity influence the types of challenges women face.”

The panel found that Ms Kilburn consistently championed equality in both her professional role and personal life, referencing a gift she received from a colleague that read: “the future is female.”

The term 'white privilege' is careless and divisive

The tribunal ultimately ruled that her views are protected philosophical beliefs under the Equality Act 2010 meaning it is illegal to discriminate against her person because of it.

The judge said that although some might find her beliefs objectionable, they still qualify for legal protection. A full hearing will take place at a later date.