Racism in the cultural sector: Museum director Eberle under pressure!

Racism in the cultural sector: Museum director Eberle under pressure!

On February 7, 2025, an incident around Martin Eberle, the director of the Museum Landscape Hesse Kassel, caused excitement in the cultural sector. Eberle is suspected of having made statements to David Zabel, the chairman of the cultural advisory board, during an event. This was not only confirmed by Zabel himself, but also by Eberle, the declared that his remark had fallen in the "affect".

The incident, which took place in October 2024, was triggered when Zabel Eberle asked whether he would take part in the next meeting of the cultural advisory board. Eberle replied that he would send his colleague and added that she should "lubricate shoe polish in the face" so as not to feel so alone in the round. This statement was seen as a direct, racist insult, which is particularly unacceptable in view of Zabel's own identity as a black and its demand for more diversity in the committee. Zabel had previously pronounced representation by a person of Color for increasing the "migration competence" in the committee.

reactions and follow

The public apology from Eberle was not accepted by Zabel. In a written explanation that Zabel achieved on October 22, Eberle showed his regret and wanted to highlight his treasure for Zabel's expertise, but Zabel remained dissatisfied with the situation. Eberle is currently on sick leave and not on duty.

The Hessian Ministry of Science and Art is now examining the allegations and has announced a hearing from the state employee. Minister Timon Gremmels clearly expressed that racist statements of employees in the state of Hesse were unacceptable. The cultural advisory board, whose chair Zabel took over in November 2023, plays an important role in advising the magistrate in cultural issues in order to promote diversity and integration in the Hessian cultural landscape.

racism in the workplace

The incident also throws a light on the general problem of racism in the workplace. Ducking comments on nationality and micro-aggressions are widespread not only in social contexts, but also in professional environments. According to an analysis, people not affected must actively learn to recognize and avoid racism.

employers are obliged to ensure a discriminatory work environment, which is in the general equal treatment law. Initiatives such as Divet that offer free anti-bias training could help increase sensitivity in the workforce. Racist incidents should be documented and addressed; Measures to raise awareness could also result from training and internal studies. This could be important for the Hessen Kassel museum landscape to illustrate cultural and social responsibility.