By Ellen Jones, Third Year, Politics and International Relations
The Bristol SU Election season got underway on Friday, when the candidates for next year's positions were announced.
Among the full-time roles up for grabs is Equality, Liberation and Access Officer: here's everything you need to know about the role, and an introduction to the two candidates who'll be campaigning for your vote.
The role of ELA officer focuses on representing and supporting marginalised groups—such as female, BAME, LGBTQ+ and disabled students—and their interests, both within the SU and the University at large.
The ELA officer works closely with these communities, as well as the Student Community Organisers; they're responsible for developing policies which support marginalised groups, and for representing them on issues pertaining to the Bristol SU Equality Policy, and the Union's 'equality objectives'.
According to the SU, the ELA officer works alongside the other full-time officers to contribute to 'activities and research into diverse student experiences', challenging any 'barriers to participation' and ensuring that 'Union and University activities and facilities are affordable and accessible to all students'.
Since September 2024, the role has been held by Linlu Ye. Some of her work this year has included increasing the Gender Expression Fund, an initiative that provides financial support for trans and non-binary students to access gender-affirming care and products, and introducing a trial period of university bathrooms supplying free period products.
This year, two candidates are running for the position of Equality, Liberation and Access Officer; below is a quick introduction to each of them, and their key proposals.
Linh Pham
Linh Pham is studying for an MSc in Global Development and Environment. Her proposals include:
- Fighting for inclusivity and equal opportunities.
- Activating leadership in every student.
- A focus on affordable housing, sexual health support, and freedom of speech for all students.
Linlu Ye
Linlu Ye is an MA Comparative Literature and Culture graduate, and the current ELA Officer. Their proposals for the next academic year include:
- To make free period products in university bathrooms permanent.
- Enhance accessibility on campus.
- Improve night-time safety and expand bystander training.
- Creative safe spaces for global issue discussions.
Voting opens at 9am on Monday, 10 March, when candidates begin their official campaigning, and closes at 9pm on Thursday 13 March.
To vote, and look at candidates across all officer roles, visit https://www.bristolsu.org.uk/elections
Who do you want to see as the SU's next ELA officer?
