EQUITY & ACCESSIBILITY
Students aren’t just students – they also have diverse backgrounds and abilities, are women, queer, trans, and racialised. In recognition of the needs of members and the barriers that marginalized students face, the Students’ Union organizes campaigns that seek to raise awareness about equity issues on and off campus, and that seek to challenge all forms of oppression.
UNLEARN
The UnLearn series was created by MUNSU’s Student Rights and Actions Committee. The series aims to challenge learned prejudices and inspire thought, discussion and change. The series works to address issues of ableism, racism, sexism, homophobia and transphobia within the context at Memorial, and seeks to take action on changing or introducing policies or procedures at MUN that can improve the lives of traditionally marginalized students.
UNITED FOR EQUITY
The United for Equity campaign aims to challenge all forms of discrimination and oppression on our campuses, in our communities, and in our student organizing spaces. Racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism and other forms of oppression can affect how certain groups of people access post-secondary education and perpetuate inequities in society based on gender, race, socio-economic status, (dis)ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, citizenship status and other factors.
The campaign involves several awareness building materials, including stickers, buttons, and information cards. The materials focus on educating people about and challenging six forms of oppression: homophobia, transphobia, ableism, colonialism, sexism, and racism. To pick up materials, visit the MUNSU Office.
PRIDE ON CAMPUS
MUNSU has been at the forefront in the fight to end the oppression of LGBTQ2S+ students for years. Coinciding with St.John’s Pride Week, Pride on Campus is a celebration of sexuality diversity and gender identities that highlights how far we’ve come as a community, both on and off campus. Pride on Campus also serves as a reminder of the work we need to do to ensure safety and equity for all Queer and Trans people. We have campaigned to end the discriminatory policies of Canadian Blood Services, have established safer spaces on campus, and have been a partner in organizing St. John’s Pride. We have established Pride on Campus where students, faculty, and staff have the opportunity to be engaged in identifying and ending discrimination and oppression on our campus and in our community. Contact us with ideas or to get involved with planning a more inclusive Pride!