Manifesto Points:
- Amplifying Student Voices: Increase representation, promote diverse hiring, and advocate for more scholarships.
- Enhancing Belonging: Improve support for disabled and neurodiverse students, expand cultural events, and strengthen reporting systems.
- Building Inclusion: Mandate EDI training, push for fair pay and promotions, and launch ‘Your Voice, Your Impact’ for student input.
“Your Voice, Your Rights, Your York– Vote Jahnavi for a United Yorkie York!”
As an International student pursuing an MSc in International Strategic Management and an Academic Representative, I have been actively involved in advocating for student voices and driving positive change. Now, I am stepping forward to be your Equality and Inclusion Officer, dedicated to making the University of York a place where every student feels represented, valued, and empowered. My vision aligns with the University’s 2030 Strategy, prioritising increasing representation, enhancing a sense of belonging, and creating an inclusive culture.
If elected, I will focus on three key areas:
1. Increasing Representation: Amplifying Student Voices
Representation matters. A diverse and inclusive university means ensuring every student—regardless of background, gender, race, ability, or identity—has a seat at the table. While the University has made progress in reducing gender and racial pay gaps and increasing applications from underrepresented groups, we must do more.
My plans:
Expand student representation in decision-making bodies to ensure marginalized voices are heard. Work with faculties to promote diverse hiring and mentorship programs, including expanding initiatives like the Equity in Leadership Programme. Advocate for more scholarships and financial aid for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to reduce barriers to education.
2. Enhancing a Sense of Belonging: A Safe and Supportive Environment for All
Belonging is essential for student success and well-being. The University has made strides in decolonizing the curriculum, increasing trust in reporting systems, and improving disabled student support. However, we need a more student-centered approach.
My plans: Enhance support for disabled and neurodiverse students by improving access to mental health services, campus facilities, and learning accommodations. Expand cultural and inclusivity events through more collaborations with student societies, celebrating the richness of our diverse community. Strengthen the Report and Support system by ensuring greater visibility, faster response times, and clear communication of outcomes to encourage students to speak up.
3. Creating an Inclusive Culture: Action, Not Just Words
Inclusion is about sustained efforts, not just annual events. While the University has achieved success in EDI training, gender equality awards, and policy changes, there is still work to be done to close gaps in pay, promotion, and participation.
My plans: Mandate anti-racism and EDI training for all staff and student leaders to build a truly inclusive university culture. Advocate for equitable promotion and pay by addressing disparities highlighted in recent reports, ensuring fair treatment of all staff and students. Launch a ‘Your Voice, Your Impact’ campaign, providing students with direct platforms to share experiences and drive change in real-time.
Why Vote for Me?
I am not just here to talk—I am here to take action. With my background in strategic management and student advocacy, I have the skills to develop practical policies, foster collaboration, and ensure accountability. As your Equality and Inclusion Officer, I will work tirelessly to make sure York is a university where every student thrives, regardless of who they are or where they come from.
Vote for Jahnavi Arjula – Because Equality and Inclusion Should Be More Than Just a Promise!
The manifestos appear here exactly as they were submitted to us. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of York Vision.