In Conversation with YUSU’s Outgoing BAME Officer
Vision speaks to Emilia Chambers on her experience working as the YUSU BAME Officer.
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Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) Students’ Officer
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; promoting equality for BAME students and celebrating the diversity of culture within the student body at York. They also lead the BAME Students’ Network and host regular social and campaigning events.
The Candidates
“鄭美詩”
- An accessible community that is representative of current BAME students
- Space for sexual health for POC and the queer community within BAME
- Focusing on mental health for BAME while taking into account cultural differences
“Vote Neo for BAME officer: NEO – Never Ending Opportunities”
- Creating greater visibility for the achievements of the BAME community – past and present
- Creating new spaces for BAME talent, discussion and communication
- Enshrining a commitment to anti-racism in the University Charta
What made you decide to run?
Maisze: I felt that a diverse and accepting community is lacking in York despite the number of BAME students present. I would like to create space for BAME to feel more at home through an accessible community while enriching York’s cultural scene.
Neo Allert: I always wanted to make a difference. I believe that we can all contribute to a new dynamic of positive action by starting to shape and improve our own surroundings. The role of BAME officer seems just the right place for me to become part of this positive change!
Why do you think you're the best person for the job?
Maisze: Through photographing events from the past year like middle ground, BAME fashion show and EDI awards, I feel as though I have gotten a grasp of the type of work it takes to represent BAME and I would really like to see better community space for BAME in york.
Neo Allert: I am passionate, disciplined and full of energy when it comes to working to improve our community here at York. I will always do my best and will fully and happily commit myself to the issues that concern the BAME community.
Historically, many societies' membership and committees haven’t been very diverse. What would you do to improve this?
Maisze: 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.
Neo Allert: 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?
Maisze: 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.
Neo Allert: 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!