The NUS Black Students’ Campaign represents all African, Arab, Asian and Caribbean students across the UK. It constitutes almost one million students.
The year ahead brings some challenges for the Black Students’ campaign and NUS will be working hard to ensure that Black students are fully represented in further and higher education, fighting discrimination and promoting equality.
Speaking at the Conference, held in Coventry, Bellavia said she would ensure that Black students are heard.
“The need for a powerful Black Students Campaign to stand up for the rights of Black Students has never been stronger. I will be that strong voice for Black students. As long as I am Officer we will not be bullied and we will not be silenced.”
Challenges
First year science student Anil Joshua Sachdeo, who attended the Conference, says being a Black student can be difficult and more education is needed to help people understand the problems Black students are faced with.
“Everyday’s a battle for Black Students, whether it comes to finances or racism in education. We’ve seen really high profile cases of racism in education, cases that the Black Students Campaign has been vocal about,” he explains.
“I think people need to be more educated about Black students. The stereotypical image that people have of Black students needs changing. Also, from an anonymous marking point of view, we need anonymous marking across the board so that black students aren’t worried about getting lower marks and not meeting expectations. When they see their white counterparts doing better, they want to do the same and be treated equally.”
Speaking out
Natalie Foster, Vice President Education and Welfare at Brunel University agrees that being a Black student can pose greater problems.
“It is financially challenging being a student, and I have concerns about the quality of feedback. However, as a Black student, the majority of the typical student issues are magnified because of my ethnicity. Institutional racism and harrowing statistics are a clear indication of the type of issues that affect Black students today.”
Giving Black students a voice is important adds Natalie.
“I think it’s essential for NUS to have campaigns that represent minority students. It’s very easy to lose motivation and give up whilst you are in education or even choose not to enter education because of negative and selective media surrounding African, Arab, Asian and Caribbean people in society.
"We live in a western world which naturally promotes western attitudes and ideals and the prevalence of the Black Students Campaign is essential, so that the voice of Black students is not neglected."