What is BAME?

BAME stands for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic and is a new Liberation group at RUSU with
the aim of celebrating diversity as well as campaigning for the needs of black, Asian and
Minority Ethnic at the University of Reading. BAME also works with the NUS Black Students
Campaign.

Is it coz im black?

No. It is about celebrating diversity with people from other cultures and reducing ignorance
through changing perceptions of ethnic minorities. It's not an exclusive group and it's not
only for one ethnicity - the group is open for everyone to take part in and contribute.

BAME aims to bring people together as well as raising awareness of the diverse population
of Reading.

It's important to have this group in a University where BAME students represent a small
proportion of the students as we are more likely to be ignored and overlooked. We also
need to ensure that students from BAME backgrounds are included in the decision making
processes and activities of the union.

BAME also aims to be a one-stop shop for addressing issues that affect students from minority
ethnic backgrounds at the University of Reading whether it's increasing the range of
opportunities available or addressing issues of racism on campus.

Get Involved    BAME related Societies

What is the NUS Black Students Campaign?

Rising racism is threatening all black communities - arguments and attitudes that just a few
years ago were confined to a marginal fringe are now common currency. Questioning of the
value of multiculturalism by politicians and media commentators, and the demonisation of
Muslim and other black communities has dominated the media headlines of late. In an
increasingly racist climate, NUS Black Students' Campaign believes that students have an
important role to play in ensuring that racism is actively confronted on campus and in our
communities.

The NUS Black Students' Campaign is one of the most vibrant and dynamic parts of NUS -
representing all sections of the African, Arab, Asian and Caribbean communities. Yet black
representation is not always reflected in our unions.

Liberation campaigns seek to represent and empower individuals who experience
discrimination and disadvantage in terms of status and opportunity because they belong to,
or are perceived to belong to, a particular social group.

What is the difference between the two?

BAME events and meetings are open to everyone; anyone wishing to take part in an event
is welcome regardless of ethnicity because our key aim is to reduce ignorance surrounding
stereotypes but also to come together to campaign on issues affecting our members.