YORK DIALECTIC UNION
SUBALTERN.
PRESIDENTS’ WELCOME It is our immense pleasure to continue the Union into its second term, we look forward to taking the discussions to different places and embracing new and exciting perspectives. The theme of our Term is Subaltern, taken from Gramsci and Spivak , the term relates to populations and views marginalized from hierarchies of power. Thus, they possess a unique ability to challenge the very same hierarchies they are excluded from. It is in this spirit we intend to run this term, with speakers and debates that challenge conceptions of power and privilege. Equally, this term we wanted to expanded the scope of the Union, attempting to redefine what you might think when someone says: “I’m a member of the YDU”. This term we will be welcoming a wide variety of speakers, from Sorted Food to Peter Tatchell, there really is something for everyone here at the YDU.
Auf Wiedersehen, Pet Cameron and Pepi
COMMITTEE Alexandra Z Brates 2nd year Politics and International Relations - Treasurer and President-elect Being a part of YDU has been an amazing experience from the start. Joining a group of like-minded go-getters who are passionate about bringing enriching debates and speaker addresses to our student body has been truly rewarding. We value healthy discourse and free speech, especially necessary during these challenging and dividing times. YDU provides a safe platform to approach various topics in an engaging manner.
George Hutton, 2nd Year History - Internal Secretary All of us are thrilled to be back for a second term of bringing you interesting speakers and informative debates. In accordance with our term theme we are bringing in a fascinating array of speakers whose stories and perspectives will give everyone an opportunity to gain new perspectives on the world. We hope you enjoy yourselves this term as we take the Union to new heights.!
Henry Howard, 3rd Year History - Internal Secretary
I can’t wait to serve as joint secretary of the YDU, a position I’m broadly fine with. Joseph and Cameron have done brilliantly so far; we have some great speakers lined up so come and get involved! Outside the union my interests include crosswords and parkour.
Jessica Griffiths, Vice-President and Equity Officer I’m so excited to be back for another term of YDU! As equity officer, I’m pleased to say we’ve got an even greater range of speakers this term - I can’t wait to see even more of you for our speakers and debates. I hope you enjoy everything we’ve got coming up!
SPRING A Guide to Acronyms: THB - This House Believes THW- This House Would THO - This House Opposes THR- This house regrets
DEBATES Welcome to the most exciting YDU events, our Thursday evening Debates. On the evening of a Debate, the President will put a statement (motion) to the house e.g. “This House Believes this is a nice Term Card”. Our Union members will then be joined by 2 guest speakers, who will open both the proposition and opposition. Then, two students will have the opportunity to debate alongside these renowned guest speakers, responding to the opening statements made by each side of the house. Once all speakers from both sides have laid their case, the debate will open up to the floor, for speeches and questions for our speakers. And then, when all is said and done, audience members will vote.
BUY MEMBERSHIP TODAY!
Ben Chacko Editor of the Morning Star
Prof Martyn Percy Academic, Former Dean of Christ Church College Oxford, and ExPriest in the Church of England.
Prof Greg Claeys Professor Emeritus of History at the University of London.
Geoffrey Hodgson Editor in Chief of the Journal of Institutional Economics
The Lord Lilley Cabinet Minister under Magaret Thatcher and John Major, Peer in the House of Lords. George Hutton Member of the YDU
Graham Smith CEO of Republic and author of Abolish The Monarchy, Why We Should and How We Will
Patrick Thelwell Former York Student and Republican activist
Speaker To be confirmed
Alexandra Bates Member of the YDU
Findlay Milne Member of the YDU
Speaker To be confirmed
THW JUST STOP OIL
DATE TBC
GUEST SPEAKERS A change of pace from the intensity of an evening debate, The Union will also host mid-week speaker’s events. These events will provide unparalleled access for Union members to hear, interrogate, and learn from those with great personal stories and expertise in unique fields. Our speakers will give an address, followed by a panel discussion headed by the event Chair. After the Chair has finished with their questions, the audience will then have plenty of time to question the speaker. The Union is always looking to add to its roster of speakers, so if you have any ideas of people to bring in, or contacts, please do get involved.
Head of PoliticsJoe
Oli Dugmore, the Head of Politics at Joe and a seasoned political affairs commentator, is a notable figure who has made impactful appearances on various platforms, including popular shows like LBC and Question Time. Dugmore's eloquent and witty criticisms of privilege and those in power have established him as an ideal guest speaker. His keen insights into political affairs and ability to articulate complex issues make him a sought-after commentator, contributing significantly to public discourse. Dugmore's presence adds a valuable perspective to discussions, as he navigates the intricacies of political landscapes with clarity and depth. Through his engagements, he consistently demonstrates a commitment to shedding light on issues of privilege and challenging those in positions of authority. As the head of Politics at Joe, Dugmore continues to shape and influence political narratives, leaving an indelible mark on the discourse surrounding power dynamics and societal structures
15th of Feburary
OLI DUGMORE
Palestinian Ambassador to the UK Joining us virtually for an address and fundraiser, Husam Zomlot is a distinguished Palestinian diplomat and accomplished advocate for Palestinian rights. Born in 1973, Zomlot has held key diplomatic positions, notably serving as the Head of the Palestinian Mission to the United Kingdom and the Palestinian Ambassador to the United States. A skilled negotiator and articulate spokesperson, he has tirelessly represented the Palestinian cause on the international stage, advocating for justice, equality, and a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Zomlot's academic background, including a Ph.D. in economics from the University of London, has enriched his diplomatic efforts with a deep understanding of socio-economic factors in the region. With a commitment to diplomacy and a vision for a just and lasting peace, Husam Zomlot continues to be a prominent voice in shaping the discourse surrounding the Palestinian struggle for self-determination.
27th of February
HUSAM ZOMLOT
Social Justice Campaigner
Peter Tatchell is a renowned human rights advocate, born in Melbourne in 1952. With a passionate commitment to social justice, he has dedicated his life to campaigning for LGBTQ+ rights, democracy, and global equality. Tatchell co-founded the LGBTQ+ direct action group OutRage! in 1990 and has since fearlessly championed LGBTQ+ rights internationally. A prolific writer, he has authored numerous articles and books on human rights issues. Tatchell's activism has earned him both admiration and criticism, showcasing his unwavering dedication to advancing human rights and challenging oppressive systems. As a tireless advocate, Peter Tatchell continues to inspire positive change on a global scale.
5th of March
PETER TATCHELL
Food YouTubers
Sorted Food, the dynamic YouTube channel, was founded in 2010 by a group of friends with a shared passion for food and fun. Spearheaded by Ben Ebbrell, Barry Taylor, Jamie Spafford, and Mike Huttlestone, Sorted Food has become a culinary sensation. With a blend of humor and expertise, the quartet explores diverse cuisines, innovative recipes, and kitchen hacks, amassing a massive global following. Their engaging personalities and collaborative cooking adventures make cooking accessible and enjoyable. Beyond YouTube, Sorted Food has expanded its influence through cookbooks and collaborations, leaving an indelible mark on the online culinary community. With millions of subscribers, their interactive approach transforms viewers into confident home cooks.
19th of March
SORTED FOOD
Author. Historian. Activist Professor Hakim Adi is the first person of African heritage to become a professor of history in the UK. His specialisation in African history has led him to focus on the links between Pan-Africanism and anti-colonialism, along with the neglected role of Black Britain’s throughout history. His latest book ‘Pan-Africanism’ is a study of Black political and cultural figures across the world in the twentieth century, he has also written on the relationship between Communism and the anti-colonial movement. As a result, of his studies Professor Adi has become an advocate for an increased prescence of the history of the African Diaspora on University courses. Professor Adi most recently held the position of Professor of African History and the African Diaspora at the University of Chichester. However, the universities recent move to scrap his course provoked a campaign to retain Professor Adi’s course
21st of March
HAKIM ADI
Stella Assange is a human rights lawyer who was born in South Africa. In March 2022 she married Julian Assange with whom she has two children, born 2017 and 2019. She joined Assange’s legal team in 2011. During the latter stages of Assange’s political asylum in the Ecuadorean embassy, Julian Assange, Stella, their infant child and WikiLeaks lawyers were targeted by illegal surveillance, . The embassy has been described as ‘the most surveilled embassy in the world’ and a ‘type of prison’. Since his arrest in April 2019 Julian Assange has been kept under administrative detention in the UK’s harshest, most surveilled prison, Belmarsh prison, also known as Britain’s Guantanamo Bay. Although not convicted of a a crime. Assange remains imprisoned after four years, indefinitely, while the United States seeks his extradition to face a 175 year prison sentence. He is accused of receiving and publishing documents from Chelsea Manning which documented war crimes, extrajudicial killings and civilian casualties during the US occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan
Dates TBC
STELLA ASSANGE
Supported by...
THE IAN MACTAGGART PROGRAMME Open Debate, Independent Thinking, Free Expression
Disclaimer
Due to the nature of high-profile speakers’diaries, all arrangements are provisional and subject to last-minute changes. We hope this doesn't happen too often and that you are understanding if it does. All of the opinions of the Speakers are their own and do not represent the views of the YDU, its members or the University of York.