Tampere to rename and redesign controversial empathy tool

Tampere is set to abandon both the name and the original design of its controversial “empathy table” tool, following widespread criticism earlier this year.

The tool, initially presented as a table that positioned personal characteristics on a scale to assess the likelihood of needing positive special treatment, sparked a national debate. Critics argued it created false oppositions between groups. The city paused its development in January after the backlash.

Jaakko Laurila, programme director for the city’s Kaikkien Tampere development programme, told Yle the new version will no longer use a scale. Instead, it will focus on legally defined grounds for discrimination and how city services appear to different residents.

“The discussion around the empathy table really blew up,” Laurila said. “We thought a new name would steer thinking in the right direction.”

The tool’s objective remains unchanged: to help staff evaluate the accessibility of services from the perspective of anti-discrimination law. Wellbeing director Tarja Puskala noted that the Non-Discrimination Act requires authorities to assess their operations in relation to different population groups.

A proposal for the revised tool will go before decision-makers in the autumn. The city board has stipulated that the new version must be reviewed by the relevant service committees and the equality working group.

Laurila said the final name is still under consideration, but the tool will serve as an instrument for assessing the actual equality of services. The term “positive special treatment,” which drew particular criticism from the Finns Party, may or may not appear in the final version—wording will be refined once the tool is complete.