The Cambridge (Survival) Guide - Cambridge University Students ...

66Black and Minority Ethnic CampaignThe CUSU Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Campaign is here to representBlack and Minority Ethnic students, to empower them to be proud oftheir background and to make their views heard and clearly visible oncampus.We work with students and student officers, seeking to ensure racial equality for all studentsin the University, and to encourage BME students to fully engage with the community as awhole and to educate and inform the general population about the shades of diversity at theUniversity of Cambridge.We also facilitate networks within the Black & Minority Ethnic (BME) Community and thewider society. The CUSU BME campaign focuses on improving race relations, fosteringand developing cultural diversity, promoting integration without assimilation, and tirelesslyworking to ensure effective representation. Our long-term goal is that all minority studentscan experience Cambridge life to its fullest without the slightest fear or reservation.Why do we need a Black and Minority Ethnic Campaign?Black Students are typically underrepresented across the University and the student body,whether in college JCRs, University committees or a range of other organisations. It is widelyrecognised and understood that despite significant progress, racial equality, respect for - andunderstanding of – Black and Ethnic minority issues are at nowhere near the levels expected.For those of us who have been lucky enough not to have experienced racism or other unfairdisadvantages as a result of our ethnic origin, the reasons for the existence of the Campaignmight not be transparent. Unfortunately, more often than not, issues such as institutionalracism and student alienation go unnoticed. It is therefore the duty of the Campaign todiscover the reality and inform the community.The Cambridge University Students’ Union BME Campaign is an autonomous platform thatairs the voice of ethnic minority students within CUSU and throughout the University. Weseek to improve race relations, fostering understanding and fighting against ignorance andprejudice. Our hope is that all students who define as Black and Minority ethnic get the mostout of their university experience and fulfil their potential.