WELCOME FROM Jamal (He/Him) CO-PRESIDENT Equality and Liberation
Welcome from Jamal
Hi… I'm Jamal, one of your Co-Presidents for Equality and Liberation, and I'm thrilled to extend a warm welcome to you as you embark on your journey here at SOAS.
At SOAS SU, we are committed to making sure that every student feels valued, heard, and supported. That's why, this year, we have some exciting initiatives lined up to enhance your university experience. We are actively working on securing a permanent prayer space for our Muslim students, ensuring that you have a dedicated and tranquil place for your religious practices.
In addition, we are launching mentorship schemes tailored to the needs of underrepresented students. These programs will offer guidance, support, and a sense of community, helping you thrive academically and personally during your time at SOAS.
Furthermore, we are dedicated to making your academic journey more accommodating. We are actively advocating for the inclusion of the Friday Jumu'ah prayer in all timetables, ensuring that you have the flexibility to practice your faith without compromise.
SOAS is a diverse and inclusive community, and together, we can make it an even more welcoming and supportive place for all. We encourage you to get involved, share your ideas, and join us in creating a vibrant and equitable campus for everyone.
Once again, welcome to SOAS SU, where together, we can make a positive impact on our campus and beyond.
We're excited to have you as part of our community, and we look forward to working with you to achieve our shared goals.
Jamal's Manifesto
Bismillah,
Hi everyone, my name is Jamal and I’m a 3rd Year Law student running to be your next Co-President for Equality and Liberation.
As the Equality and Liberation Co-President of our university, I would be committed to advocating for equality and liberation for all members of our community. I believe that every person should have the opportunity to thrive in a safe and inclusive environment, free from discrimination and prejudice.
Diversity of Beliefs
- One of my top priorities is advocating for the abolition of Islamophobia on campus. This means working closely with university leadership, staff, and students to create policies and initiatives that promote religious tolerance and respect. With there being a huge Muslim population on campus, I will make sure that the Jumu’ah facilities for Muslims are properly exercised within the space we have. It is vital that students of all faiths feel comfortable to practise their beliefs.
SOAS as a Safe Space
- I am also committed to working with my colleagues to advocate for any complaints students may have about their lecturers or university staff. The complaints system at SOAS causes harm and trauma to those who experience it and I have seen this first-hand when helping my fellow students. I believe that every student should have access to high-quality education and support services, and I will work tirelessly to ensure that SOAS has a transparent complaints process that delivers justice to students and marginalised voices from all our diverse communities.
- The Enough is Enough Campaign that is run by the SU has not reached its potential this year. I will ensure the scheme is promoted to every student on campus and work with the university to make sure students entering university are made aware of it.
- Furthermore, I am committed to making the JCR a place where people from all backgrounds feel comfortable and can exercise different ways of having fun. The JCR is an underutilised space within the SU and as part of the SU refurb project, I will make sure that the needs of previously unheard voices are placed at the forefront of the refurbishment so we can have more non-alcoholic social spaces and events.
Low-income Backgrounds
- To offer support for those from low socio-economic backgrounds, I will revamp the Sanctuary Scholarship which is run by the SU because not many people are not even aware that they might be eligible.
- I will introduce an SU mentorship scheme to help students from low-income backgrounds achieve their career aspirations, as I believe that gaining a career is often about building a personal ‘network’ and the ‘soft’ skills such as teamwork and leadership which students acquire when being involved in the student’s union.
Overall, I am committed to creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our university community. By working together, we can create a campus culture that celebrates diversity, promotes equality, and supports the well-being of all students.
Contact Jamal
Copresidentequalityandliberation@soas.ac.uk