What is an active ally?

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This section provides actionable advice tailored to student experience, with clear real-life examples.

Do:

Educate yourself: Actively seek out information about systemic inequalities. Read Open SU’s resource materials, attend workshops, and engage with diverse perspectives.
Listen actively: When someone shares an experience of discrimination or marginalisation, listen openly and validate their feelings. Avoid interrupting or immediately offering solutions.

Apologise: If you cause harm, apologise sincerely, take responsibility, and commit to learning from it. Avoid making excuses or becoming defensive.
Amplify marginalised voices: Share content from marginalised students, promote their events, and make sure their contributions are recognised in group settings or at OU and Open SU meetings.

Advocate for policy change: Support Open SU campaigns for a more inclusive OU, whether through advocating for accessibility, a decolonised curriculum, or improved support services.

Confront discriminatory behaviour safely: If you witness derogatory comments or actions, challenge them if it is safe to do so. This could include speaking up directly, reporting it, or seeking support from Open SU staff or OU support services.

Don’t:

Expect praise: Being an ally is not about recognition. It’s about doing what is fair, supportive, and equitable for communities and peers.

Demand emotional labour: Don’t expect marginalised students or staff to educate you or provide training. Do your research first, and ask for advice respectfully without pressuring them.

Speak over marginalised people: In discussions, ensure that those with lived experience are given priority to speak.

Make it about your feelings: If called out for a mistake, focus on the impact of your actions, rather than your intentions or personal feelings.

Engage in performative allyship: Avoid public declarations of support without meaningful action behind them. Think beyond a social media post – consider what you are actually doing and who benefits.

Assume you know best: Trust the experiences and insights of marginalised individuals. They are the experts on their own lives.

As an example, check out Stonewall’s top tip guide on how to be an LGBTQ+ ally in the workplace:

7 ways you can be an LGBTQ+ ally at work – Stonewall

Here is a great article on how to navigate making mistakes as an ally:

What happens if you screw up as an ally?