Xiaohongshu
A Proud History of Representing Students
On the third of June 1893 UCL's Council approved the formation of the Men's Union Society for ‘the promotion of social intercourse and of the means of recreation, physical and mental, of the students of the University College, and the financial success of students’ clubs’. Several years later in 1897, a separate Women’s Union was formed. This was done under the guidance of Rosa Morison, the Lady Superintendent of Women Students and a pivotal figure in the suffrage movement at UCL.
As UCL turns 200, I've been reflecting upon some key milestones in the University and Union's history in relation to equity and inclusion.
The Union and Social Change
The Union has a proud history of being at the forefront of social change. As highlighted in Sam Blaxland's excellent 'Students' Union UCL: A Short History', the Union formulated its first Equal Opportunities statement in 1990, which noted that 'Women, Black people, Lesbians. Gay men, people with a disability, those of all social backgrounds and irrespective of marital status, age, religion, national origin and HIV status' would face no discrimination at the Union.'
Women students were involved in the first women's liberation marches of the early 1970s and in 1972, a PhD Mathematics student called Jamie Gardiner set up the Union's first GaySoc. In 1963, UCL students created the Joint Action Committee Against Racial Intolerance (JACARI) ‘to further the cause of racial equality in any part of the world’. The society helped establish the South African Scholarship Appeal within the Students’ Union, which raised funds for scholarships that enabled Black South African students who were denied access to universities in their home country to study at UCL. The scholarship continued for over three decades.
These are just a handful of examples of how the Union has championed marginalised students across society.
The introduction of the Equity & Inclusion Officer
For the 2020-21 academic year, the Union elected its first Equity & Inclusion Officer. I'm proud to join a cohort of Sabbatical Officers who have been democratically elected to represent the views of students, with a particular focus on Equity & Inclusion. My predecessors have been instrumental in supporting research to change the BME Officer and Network to the People of Colour Officer and Network, led on previous policies such as better pronoun integration and the introduction of the Gender Expression Fund.
I've loved being the Equity & Inclusion Officer for the past two academic years and to continue their legacy.
Intersectionality and Networks
And now my term is drawing to a close, it's time to think of my own legacy! This year, one of key priorities has been the introduction of the Intersectional Forum. A place where students and student leaders who are interested in collaborating on ideas, events and policies can get together and discuss topics which matter most to them. Our next meeting will be taking place on Wednesday 25 March at 15:00, one of the key areas of discussion will be embedding intersectional and diverse food options in to UCL's catering offer.
I'm also incredibly proud of the work our eight, and soon to be nine, Student Networks have organised this year. From Disability History Month to judging submissions for the Liberate Art Gallery they have done exemplary work this academic year and I'm incredibly proud of what they've achieved.
We've come a long way since our initial foundation and I'm excited about what the Union will work on next to proudly represent UCL students.
The Leadership Race
We are proud of our 200 years of student leadership at UCL. We know that student life needs student leaders. Are you interested in continuing the journey?