Getting down with student democracy

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]t’s easy to see how student democracy at Warwick can come under fire. For many, a sabbatical team comprised of seven white, British men is not good enough.

There isn’t as much participation in student democracy from those who define themselves within the liberation positions as there should be, mainly due to external systematic barriers. Nevertheless, the underepresentativeness of this year’s sabbs is unreflective of the general progress made in recent years to try and counter these barriers.

One thing is certain, it must not happen again this year, and I do not believe it will. Beyond the much-needed work of Olly Rice, our democracy and development officer, who is putting a lot of graft into creating support guides and workshops to encourage those from liberation positions to run, students themselves will ensure that history does not repeat itself again this year.

For many, a sabbatical team comprised of seven white, British men is not good enough

Candidates will run in the upcoming officer elections from liberation positions, who are motivated by ensuring that this situation does not take place again. If you aren’t happy and do not feel represented, join them.

Similarly, the Students’ Union can be, at times, a loud minority. This is not just a Warwick problem; it is a Students’ Union problem generally.

It can be a loud minority that is far more liberal and far more economically Left than the rest of the student body. Many take part in All Student Meetings, and any sort of SU democracy for that matter, to oppose this loud minority. Once more, join them

Students’ Unions can wield a lot of power, and make changes that have profound effects on students and the wider community. In recent years, sabbatical and part-time officers, mandated by All Student Meetings and Student Council, have had colossal wins. Democratic participation of students though the SU, often accompanied by strong grassroots activism, has: created the ‘I Heart Consent’ workshops; encouraged the university to divest from fossil fuels; and successfully campaigned to keep the campus pharmacy open.

If you aren’t happy and do not feel represented, join them

Like or loathe these effects that student democracy has had, it does not always deliver its aims, but it can be a very strong tool for change. Vote. Stand. Get involved. If you believe that our Students’ Union is a force for good, bolster its activities. If you believe that it is not, change its direction.

This term we have an All Student Meeting (Term 2 is always the biggest one of the year) and our officer elections, so the next few weeks is the perfect time to take part in student democracy. Be a part of the debate that is taking place on your behalf, and get involved!