Megan Leah Portz
Liberation Officer Candidate (part-time)

Candidate Profile

Tell students about yourself

Hi, I’m Megan. I’m a first-year BSc Geography student from Kingston Upon Hull. When I’m not studying, you can often find me singing along to musicals or playing the Sims 4. As a disabled, working class, neurodivergent student, I value equality, diversity and inclusivity as a foundation of our community. Therefore, I’m extremely passionate about dismantling barriers in education to make university accessible and welcoming for everyone, regardless of your background.

If elected, what sort of Officer can students expect you be?

Students can expect me to be approachable and committed. I hope to be seen as a collaborator, not just a representative. Directly consulting with students will ensure that everyone feels their voice is heard. I will be transparent and attentive, empowering all students to participate. Drawing on my own experiences, I understand the fundamental need for accessibility and representation, so I will dedicate my time to advocate for you. As a Liberation Officer, I will help implement initiatives and run awareness campaigns, ensuring our policies are representative of our diverse student body.

Why is this role important to you?

Throughout my life I have experienced significant difficulties surrounding education, problems that some people may never have to comprehend. Facing these challenges whilst trying to adhere to academic standards has, at times, felt like the end of the world, which is why I am determined to ensure that students feel supported during their time in Durham. I would love to see changes in housing security for disabled students, as this is often a cause of concern with many options either being inaccessible or too expensive. Ensuring information on support is accessible is also important to me, as these conversations often feel like an information overload. Hidden costs are also on the agenda, with those from lower income backgrounds often caught off guard by necessary purchases and upfront deposits. These can have a huge impact on our ability to thrive at university, so I think it’s time for change.

What is your pitch to students?

My main goal within this role is to ensure our university is ours, not just some of ours, but all of ours. My greatest priority is listening to you to make our campus genuinely accessible. Vote Megan for a campus that speaks for everyone.