Liberation Campaigns
Making sure that ALL students have equal rights and opportunities is high on the list of the Union's priorities.
At Glamorgan the Liberation Campaigns play the primary role in fighting discrimination and bigotry within the Union, within the wider student movement and within society. They are a loud campaigning voice for those students who suffer oppression and who sometimes struggle to make their voices heard.
Liberation campaigns are for groups of people who are discriminated against within the education system, and who are also oppressed within wider society. That is why, for example, Mature Students or Postgraduate Students are not Liberation campaigns - they may be discriminated against within Higher and Further Education, but they are not oppressed.
With the facilitation of the Women's and Equal Opportunities Officer, the Union has four groups, as defined by the National Union of Students, to specifically campaign and raise awareness.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Trans
The LGBT group are an extremely active liberation group, socially and politically. They organise many social events such as bowling trips, ice-skating, cinema etc, as well as take part in many political campaigns. The group fights for Equal Rights within the University as well as outside. The LGBT is a diverse group offering support to and creating awareness over a variety of issues such as same sex marriages.
Students with Disabilities
The SWD group are currently trying to raise money for a Brailler for the Union so that all materials, ENT's, handbooks, Leek etc can be produced in an accessible format for anyone with a visual impairment. As well as this the SWD offer support what ever your disability or level of. Over the years they have created awareness of many issues such as Guide Dog awareness and have organised and run successful events such as Sign Language courses. They also have great fun going bowling and on other excursions, as often as possible.
Black
The Black Students liberation campaign although not very active at Glamorgan is an integral part of the NUS liberation groups. Amongst many things they create awareness of racism and fight against it at local and national levels, fighting against fascists and racists such as the BNP. If you would like to get involved with the black student movement or set up a group at Glamorgan, please contact Sarah-Lou your Women's and Equal Opportunities Officer suwomen@glam.ac.uk
Women
The Women's campaign is one of the largest campaigns. It is a misunderstanding in thinking that women today are just as equal as male counterparts and the women's campaign not only creates awareness of this but also fights for equality. There are many important yet controversial campaigns run by the women's group such as 'pro-choice' and the 'gender pay gap'. The women's group often run themed fundraisers throughout the year, which are a great way to get involved in the campaign.
NB. In order to become a member of any liberation group it is of particular significance that you self-define i.e. if you would like to join the SWD group you must define yourself as having a disability and the same goes for the LGBT group.
" We've chosen the path to Equality; don't let them turn us around "
Geraldine Ferraro .
The first woman to be nominated as Vice President of the United States