We always reference brave as one of our core values, so here we are.This semester we are living that by trialling a new thing. Every few weeks, one of your Full-Time Officers will be sharing a piece that dives into a topic that matters to our community.
Welcome to the first edition of Full-Time Officers' deep dives!
No, it’s not about swimming or scuba gear, promise!
We always reference brave as one of our core values, so here we are.This semester we are living that by trialling a new thing. Every few weeks, one of your Full-Time Officers will be sharing a piece that dives into a topic that matters to our community. These will be opportunities to pause, reflect, and spark conversations that reach beyond the day-to-day of campus life. So as we embark on our journey, come aboard with us and let us know what you think.
Got a topic you’d like us to explore? Drop us a comment or get in touch!
And now, to kick things off, let’s hand it over to Cameron, your Student President.
Hey, I'm Cameron your student president 25/26...
I joined Heriot-Watt back in 2020, back then had the luxury of joining those 9am classes from the comfort of my bed. I also didn’t know my way around campus. But from very early on, I’ve had a passion for helping others, and that really shaped my time as a student. I guess you could say, I’ve always been a campaigner.
One of my key campaigns this year is pushing for better, fairer housing. It’s already had traction with MSPs and government, and I think it’s going to lead to something big for students. You should totally get involved by coming to one of our campaign meetings.
How Heriot-Watt Students Stood Up to Racism in 2010
One of the things I don’t get to do as much as I like, as President is to sit back, dig into an issue, and share my reflections. And the issue I think important to talk about right now is the rise of racism in the UK.
We all know racism is dangerous. Instead, I want to use my interest with history, and with the student movements of the past, to explore how people before us have stood up to racism, and what we can learn from them today. History shows we can push back when communities stand united, and our students have been part of that history.
In February 2010, the racist group the Scottish Defence League attempted to host a rally in Edinburgh. But Heriot-Watt brought the largest student group, led by our LGBT Society. Alongside trade unionists, faith leaders, and over 2,000 others, we showed that Edinburgh would not give fascism a platform.
In the end, the SDL was driven out of our city. They did not pass; they never marched and were instead escorted onto their bus and out of the city.
But as Watt’s On (Our student newspaper at the time) warned, complacency is dangerous. That warning is even louder today.
The presence of international students and diverse communities at our university and across the country isn’t just welcome, it’s essential. Bringing creativity, fresh ideas, languages, cultures, and friendships that make our lives richer.
To attack that diversity is not only cruel, but also absurd. The rise of the extreme right is no accident. It is a strategy used to divide us and protect inequality.
Our answer must be one of unity, solidarity, and a politics that confronts exploitation at its root.
So, that's all cool that we did that in the past, but what can we do today?
Hatred may be loud, but it’s shallow. Solidarity and love are deeper. Our students showed that in 2010, and we can keep showing it today.
Watch this space and our socials as we will be launching our anti-racism campaign soon!
In researching this piece, I had the chance to sift through old editions of Watt’s On, our former student newspaper, and other materials in the University Archives. I highly recommend a visit.