BAME AND A+S CANDIDATES

The BAME Students’ Officers represent the views of students at York who self define as BAME, which is including but not limited to students of African, Asian, Arab, and Latin American heritages. They campaign within the Union, University, and in wider society to promote equality for BAME students and celebrating the diversity of culture within the student body at York.

MAISZE CHENG | SHE/HER | 鄭美詩 Philosophy | Second Year

Historically, many societies’ membership and committees haven’t been very diverse. What would you do to improve this?

The BAME community is still a minority community in York so I would want to focus on making current BAME students feel at home with a community to meet current needs before working on increasing outreach numbers. I believe there is no point getting more BAME into York if the current BAME already feels isolated so meeting current needs is the priority and then increased engagement will follow.

What should the University’s next merch line be?

I think having something customizable would be great. An option to add an embroidered flag will help celebrate individuality and culture while under the common umbrella of being a Uni of York student. Flag of choice allows representation of the queer community and BAME to showcase heritage.

Three Key Manifesto Points

1. An accessible community that is representative of current BAME students.

2. Space for sexual health for POC and the queer community within BAME.

3. Focusing on mental health for BAME studnts while taking into account cultural differences.

NEO ALLERT | HE/HIM | VOTE NEO FOR BAME OFFICER: NEO - NEVER ENDING History

Second

Historically, many societies’ membership and committees haven’t been very diverse. What would you do to improve this?

Every society and every committee can only profit from including a great variety of different people. All of these different people contribute to society life by bringing in their own personal experiences, ideas, and thoughts. To increase the diversity of society membership and committees I will run campaigns encouraging greater BAME involvement. Working with other YUSU officers, I will push for more inclusivity and diversity within societies and committees! Greater diversity means better societies!

What should the University’s next merch line be?

The University already offers a wide arrange of merch, supplying us students with everything from socks to jumpers and ties. I think that forthcoming merch should highlight the diversity of the University and celebrate its great ethnic and cultural vibrancy. I am looking forward to being part of this creative process of designing new merch!

Three Key Manifesto Points

1. Creating greater visibility for the achievements of the BAME community – past and present.

2. Creating new spaces for BAME talent, discussion, and communication.

3. Enshrining a commitment to anti-racism in the University Charter.

Accountability and Scrutiny Chair focuses on making the Union more transparent and accountable for its actions, by holding Officers to account. This role includes chairing a committee of randomly chosen students to uphold these goals and providing opportunities for students to engage in with Officers about their work.

TAYLOR WATSON | HE/HIM/HIS | YORK CHANGES EVERY DAY. TOGETHER WE CAN Accounting and Business | First Year MAKE SURE THOSE CHANGES ARE FOR YOU!

In your opinion, what’s the ASC’s most important responsibility?

I feel that being impartial to all circumstances is a greatly important responsibility for the role of ASC. This includes a broad understanding of how to view situations and suggestions from all viewpoints to ensure an outcome that is inclusive of all. I believe that this quality allows for the understanding of when the council needs to be held accountable for their decisions relating to university life.

Three Key Manifesto Points

1. Holding the council accountable for any and all decision making

2. Ensure YUSUggestions is utilised to its maximum potential.

3. Maintaining an open dialogue between council and students.