Recently, EDI Student Assistant, Ayden Adeyanju-Jackson caught up with AMS Social Issues Commissioner (SIC), Samara Lijiam. If you’re unfamiliar with the role of the SIC, it’s to represent the needs of marginalized students within student government, advocate for them and oversee initiatives, supports and committees. Lijiam started this position in May of 2021 after previously working as a deputy for her predecessor, Angela Sahi. She talks about how her role impacts the student experience, what inspired her to get involved in advocacy and the issues she hopes to tackle this year. Learn more about Samara below:
What are the responsibilities of the SIC?
To support students through our committees (the Committee Against Racial and Ethnic Discrimination – CARED, the Education on Queer Issues Project – EQuIP and Accessibility Queen's – AQ), our annual publication Collective Reflections and our partnership with the Peer Support Centre called BIPoC Talk. Another big way we support students and student advocates is through the equity grant, accessibility grant and Black history month grant. We also focus on education and raising awareness on relevant social issues through social media and outreach initiatives. Lastly, a big part of the role is advocacy and strengthening student’s institutional lobbying power. We listen to what students share with us and present these issues to the administration.
What kind of personality do you see yourself having and how does it permeate into the SIC role?
I think like a lot of people who do equity work, I am a pretty sensitive person. The first SIC I worked with, Myriam-Morenike Djossou, was very empathetic and I am really trying to channel that in my time as SIC. I think everyone who has been in this role has done it out of care for others and the community, so empathy is important. Because I am in student “government” you inherently feel like “the bad guy”, because people try to get you to compromise equity for “equality”. Allocating money, awards or grants can also be tough when you need to say no to people. I think it is important that the commission is generous and gives a lot, so our grants and bursaries are the only part of the budget I increased this year.
What is institutional lobbying power, and how do you try to strengthen it for students?
Every year the SIC sits on around 10 different university working groups and committees to promote the diverse interests and concerns of marginalized students. [a few examples] Senate educational equity committee, the University Council on Anti-Racism and Equity, the Sexual Violence Prevention Task Force and many others. I am there to provide an equitable perspective, be an ear to the group that students talk to, and to translate what students are saying into policy and recommendations. I also chair Equity caucus with student leaders in equity to get their feedback and strengthen their advocacy power.
What are the some of the lasting impacts that you have seen from the SIC over the course of being in university? I.e., What are some of the things you have seen the SIC do that inspired you or showed you the true impact of the SIC?
One really cool event was our members involvement in the rally in solidarity with Wet'suwet'en. The SIC also puts on Queer Prom ever year which is one of EQuIP’s most popular events on campus. The SIC also has a hand in changing policies, like advocating for more student involvement in the naming process or creating an international student representative in UCARE. Because I am in politics, I really believe that government can be the best avenue for widespread student change. Equity clubs do a lot to support different groups in our community, but I think policy and enforcing accountability are important for facilitating systemic change.
What is the biggest problem that you want to address this year?
I think accountability is one of the biggest things keeping Queen’s from being an inclusive place. We see very few people that report harassment and discrimination, and the people that do often don't get the outcomes that they deserve. A lot of students I have spoken with have gone through the process and did not get the outcomes they’ve wanted, feeling like a lot of TAs and profs have gotten away with acts of harassment and discrimination, and have not been held accountable.
What do you think is the greatest advantage to being in an equity role at the university?
The fact that you are paid for equity work is really great and something I have never experienced before, which is very refreshing after several years doing equity work at Queen's. We have more resources than many equity-based clubs in terms of budget (two staff, marketing office, etc) which is why I think there is so much great potential in the Social Issues Commission. We also have wide access, being on working groups and being able to speak to admin whenever I want is very convenient. I believe when student government reaches out to administrators, they must listen. Another benefit of being in student government is the unique policy scope that gives us the potential to create widespread policy change.
Who are your role models?
Everyone who has come to Queen’s despite being told or warned not to! I think it is so interesting how many marginalized students come to Queen’s despite hearing of its reputation, and I find that commendable. Also, everyone who engages in equity work while here, because just being here can be hard enough. I really admire all the past SICs that I have worked with because it is not an easy position to be in. In this role I have worked with empathetic leaders like Tianna Edwards, Deanna Fialho and Stephanie Simpson. As WoC it is hard to navigate Queen’s, especially while also trying to change it, but they do it with a lot of grace and tact which I very much respect. I have always been interested in politics and in high school I didn’t see any Black women I could look up to, but now I have Annamie Paul and Celina Caesar Chavannes as political role models. I admire the way they have pushed back against the institutions they are a part of, and I feel like they are really making a space for people like us in politics.