Hi,

I am Sabiha, Digital media student at southlands, and I want to represent you as the 2019 BAME officer in the RSU.

This academic year, we have hit over 50% of the students identifying from a BAME (Black, Asian and Ethnic minorities) background (and 61% females- Yes!) and I am proud to be a BAME female. I want to be the connecting voice for us students to be heard and listened to and I ask you for your vote.

Here is why:

Since beginning university, I discovered the governments office for students have identified an attainment gap between white students and other ethnic backgrounds. The truth is, not enough is being done to support us students in order for us to achieve our full potential in and after graduating. This leads to us not getting the top jobs or having a shot at climbing that ladder we want to climb. These are some of the challenges we will be facing. Therefore, something needs to be done now.

I want to explore the issues by listening to you and your ideas.

Why is this the case?

What are your thoughts and ideas?

What change can we make happen?

What do you want to see the university doing in terms of providing better support?

There has already been a step in the right direction by decolonising the curriculum which is fantastic news. But this is not a one change fixes everything situation!

We need to urge lecturers and staff to challenge their biases.

They need up-to-date training in inclusive practices through identification of what structures and procedures are clearly not working.

They need to do more than simply tick a box if there is to be a real difference.

This is a first action and there need to be more and there will only be more if we speak!

It would be my goal to channel the student voice by holding open debates, inviting speakers from different societies to encourage students to connect and share experiences.  I want to create a space where students feel free to be themselves with all ethnicities welcomed.

We, as students, have power in our numbers. We will make change happen by working collectively. Diversity and equality matter so let us break the habits and be the change we want to see in the world.

I do not want to be given the sympathy vote for being discriminated against. We have all had our experiences of inequality. I want us to look to the future where we have equal opportunities. We are black AND white AND ALL ethnic minorities. You do not have to be a BAME student to vote for this cause, you have to be a person who cares about fairness and equality across our Roehampton community.

The future includes BAME, let’s change the game, together!      #SabihaForBame