Tasha Barrett, President Education & Campaigns, gives us her reaction to the announcement of the name for the Library and Student Services Centre
Following the announcement via live stream earlier today, I’m excited to say our new Library and Student Services Centre (currently under construction) will be named after alumna Emily Wilding-Davison.
I personally couldn’t be happier that the chosen name is one initially suggested by students as a motion at an SU General Meeting over a year ago. Although this type of decision is a lengthy process, it’s so rewarding to see the hard work and passion of students directly pay off.
Antonia Jade King is an alumna, and proposed the motion that initially suggested Emily Wilding Davison as the new library name, and is very happy with the outcome:
"I'm pleased that the rich history of Royal Holloway is being recognised. Royal Holloway has been home to amazing women, Sarah Parker Redmond being another hero, and it's important these trail blazers get the recognition their male counterparts took for granted."
For those of you who aren’t aware, Emily was a prominent activist within the Suffragette movement who was unfortunately killed when she attempted to pin a rosette on the King’s horse during a race as a form of protest. While the Suffragette movement had its flaws, the general notion of equality and empowerment of women (amongst other marginalised groups), is one that we at Royal Holloway strive to uphold and progress.
Emily Wilding Davison was part of a group that helped spark the development of women’s rights by securing the vote. Since then Feminism and Womanism have continued to grow and improve day by day, creating much needed space within political movements for LGBT women, disabled women and BME women and gradually becoming more inclusive.
While there is still a long way to go in terms of equality and diversity within our society, we are very proud to have such an inspirational alumna. Seeing Emily’s enrolment signature in our library archives during my second year really reminded me of the positive values that Royal Holloway and RHSU represent.
George Eliot (also known as Mary Ann Evans), was one of the first Bedford College students and an accomplished author. She struggled against the career restrictions imposed upon women during her time, will be our inspiration for naming our new accommodation buildings.
In addition, RHSU now annually awards the Sarah Parker Remond Inclusion and Accessibility prize to a society or media outlet and will be following up on an ongoing campaign for her to be recognised by the college in some form.
We as a Students’ Union hope that students share in our excitement at today’s announcement and are encouraged by seeing the impact that student suggestions and student led motions can create.
Tasha Barrett
President, Education and Campaigns