The Center for Investigative Reporting is offering a yearlong fellowship but not for everyone, as it is intended specifically for “journalists of color.”
“The lack of diversity in the investigative journalism community is striking. Just look around at any leading investigative journalism conference to witness the glaring absence of journalists of color,” a description of the fellowship for the group’s Reveal publication said. “Reveal from The Center for Investigative Reporting is launching a new project-based fellowship for emerging journalists of color.”
The fellowship job description continued to say, “this fellowship opportunity is extended to journalists of color nationwide.”
The Daily Caller decided to find out if the Center for Investigative Reporting would reject all applications from white journalists.
Martin Reynolds, the fellowship director, spoke to me over the phone Wednesday afternoon. When asked whether white journalists should bother applying to the program, Reynolds pointed to the fact the grant is for journalists of color. Asked what “colors” specifically, Reynolds said racial and ethnic minorities.
I pointed out that I am Argentine and asked whether this would allow me to qualify for this opportunity. Reynolds then asked if I was a “white male” and I responded in the affirmative, but pointed out that I’m still an ethnic minority. Reynolds then said that people “understand” if they operate within a “community of color.” The fellowship director said that he doesn’t require a photo of the applicant to check their color because he trusts their “integrity.”
When asked if the program is discriminatory, Reynolds said “no.” He viewed the program as necessary to cover a disparity in journalism. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race in employment. (RELATED: BuzzFeed Diversity Program Rejects White Journalist)
However, Reynolds doesn’t consider the program as “employment” as it is a fellowship.