The BIPOC Department
What does ‘BIPOC’ mean?
BIPOC stands for Bla(c)k, Indigenous, People of Colour. This definition includes but is not strictly limited to mixed-race or bi-racial people and people who are white-passing or have a proximity to whiteness (i.e. are perceived to be white due to skin colour and other identifying features).
What is the BIPOC Department and what do we do?
The BIPOC Department is an autonomous student-led group that provides a community of support and solidarity for all BIPOC students at the ANU.
What we do fits into two categories: advocacy and social. From publishing the annual Racism Report and campaigning for BIPOC wellbeing, we also organise social events like our weekly coffee catchups ‘Chai & Chats’ and our fortnightly discussion circles ‘BIPOC Talks’. Keep an eye on our socials for information about meetings and events!
The best way to get involved in all this is to come to our weekly autonomous collective meetings every Wednesday 5pm @ BIPOC Base. You can also sign up to our Social and Advocacy committees found on our socials!
Our events are a mix of autonomous and non-autonomous. An autonomous event is one where only ANU students who identify as BIPOC can attend. A non-autonomous event is one that is open to all – a place for everyone to learn!
Within the ANUSA space, our BIPOC Officer represents your interests in the ANU Student Representative Council and the student representative to the Deputy Vice Chancellors Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Governance Framework, giving us a direct voice on university decisions.
Who forms the collective?
Every ANU student who identifies with the term "BIPOC" as defined above is a member of this department. Department meetings and events are always open to all collective members, providing a safe space to speak openly about our experiences and opinions and to plan campaigns and events.
The BIPOC Department Executive are those who have an elected position and our responsibilities include but are not limited to performing the day-to-day operation of the BIPOC Department, running and attending weekly collective meetings, and organising social and advocacy events. Get ready to meet our 2024 Executive:
BIPOC Officer: Selena Wania
Deputy Officer Social: Emalisa Edwards
Deputy Officer Advocacy: Maitrey Khobragade
Publicity Officer: Aleesya Amirizal
Secretary: Precious Kaitu-Guma
Treasurer: Chiamaka Oba
BASC (Black African Students' Collective): Kabelo Setipa (KB)
First Year Rep: Youngseo (Sabina) Lee
BIPOC Base
The BIPOC Base is an autonomous physical safe space for students who identify as Bla(c)k, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC). It is finally open and ready for use in 2024! The space is used for our weekly Collective meetings but can also be used for studying, relaxing (we have a TV and books!), socialising, or even grabbing a snack or tea as we have a stocked kitchen!
You can request for 24/7 access to this space with your Uni ID by completing this form here.
It is now located where Former / Old Griffin Hall used to be. For complete directions head on over to our Instagram page and find our story highlight for a video walkthrough! Alternatively, you can also find us on Lost on Campus here!
2022 Racism Report
Read the report
Media statement
2021 Racism Report
Read the report
Get in touch with us!
To contact the BIPOC Officer please email sa.bipoc@anu.edu.au. To contact all other Executive members email anubipocdept@gmail.com. If you have seen, heard, or experienced anything you deem to be rooted in racism, please contact the BIPOC Officer for support.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anu.bipoc.department/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ANUBIPOCDepartment
Autonomous Social/Alumni Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/anuethnoculturaldepartmentsocialandalumni