In 2016, an Arc Constitutional amendment was proposed to Arc Members - the addition of an “Affirmative Action” clause - to ensure that 50% of Arc Board Student Director positions were reserved for female students. This amendment, which was designed to address a historical lack of female representation in Arc Board’s Student Directors, was passed at the AGM by a majority vote of Arc Members (students).

Arc Board understands and acknowledges that this amendment, while intended to drive diversity and inclusivity, was not made with consideration to non-binary and gender diverse students of UNSW.

In 2022, the Arc Board Election Nominations have resulted in an undesirable situation. Per Regulations & Constitution, 2 x ‘restricted’ positions were open for female students, and 2 x ‘unrestricted’ positions were open for all students. 5 x nominations were received from students; 2 x identify as male, 2 x identify as female, 1 identifies as non-binary. Arc is bound by its current Constitution and Regulations which stipulate that the 2 x female Nominees are automatically appointed to the ‘restricted’ positions, leaving the 3 remaining Nominees to campaign and run for the ‘unrestricted’ positions.

Noting that any amendments proposed and approved would only come into effect for the 2023 Elections onwards, Arc Board will be conducting an immediate review of its Constitution and Regulations to determine an appropriate course of action which may include proposing Constitutional amendments at a future Meeting of Members (EGM). The Arc Board does not wish to be only reactive to the current issue in the short-term. It will take the required time to appropriately research and consult to ensure any proposed amendments are representative of the importance of equity, diversity and inclusivity values of Arc; safeguarding this for the next generations of Board and UNSW students.

Arc is committed to driving change and reaching an appropriate and sustainable solution for the future.

Laura Montague, Arc Chair of the Board.