Bucks Students’ Union would like to express our unwavering solidarity with our black students, staff and alumni and we stand strongly with the #BlackLivesMatter movement. It is important that all of our members feel safe and supported, and to know that they are surrounded by allies within the Students’ Union and the student community.
As the objective for yesterday’s #BlackOutTuesday was to allow black voices to prevail, we chose to share resources and social media accounts which not only support our black community but will help educate the non-black community at Bucks and have included a link to some of these below.
Vice President Student Involvement, Christina Dememtriou has said, “Now more than ever it is our duty to commit as an institution to fight for and support our black students, staff and alumni and echo their voices, not just today but through ongoing and visible efforts.
We are encouraging our non-black students to educate themselves on their privilege, have those uncomfortable conversations, to reflect on their mind-sets and those around them. It would be so powerful to see academics and staff mirror these efforts and to speak up in the same way Phil Hoddinott did in his recent tweet where he said “As a white man I can never really understand but I know what is right and what is wrong and I can stand beside you in union”. This is about not posting or promoting anything outside Black Lives Matter. Not everyone has to go to a protest, it is about the change they can make within themselves.”
We understand that many of you may wish to join the protests taking place this week and take a stand against racism, we urge that you take precautions to stay safe. We are still in the middle of a pandemic and you will need to take measures to protect yourselves and others from the risks posed by Covid-19.
You can take action in a number of ways and we have put together some resources for you from petitions to sign, to donation links and resources for education. This is by no means an exhaustive list and we encourage you to listen to the lived experiences of black people and not to put the burden on them to educate you. Listen to their voices and educate yourself, and those around you.
We understand that this is a difficult time for our black students and want to encourage you to contact our Advice Centre team if you need any support or advice. If you’ve been affected and need to talk to someone – we are here for you.
We have a zero tolerance policy for any form of hate crime and if you wish to report an incident, then send an email to union@bucks.ac.uk
Sign Petitions:
Justice for George Floyd
Update GCSE reading list
Justice for Belly Mujinga
You can find a host of resources here and also in this Google document.
Read:
Why I’m no longer talking to white people about race – Reni Eddo-Lodge
Me and White Supremacy – Layla F Saad
How to be an Anti-Racist – Ibram X. Kendi
Watch:
13th on Netflix
When they See Us on Netflix
Explained: The Racial Wealth Gap on Netflix