The ESU upholds the following beliefs equally and shall guide its community, events, work, services, and spaces (i.e. the ESU common room) in accordance with the ESU mandate:

 

• Indigenous Rights Advocacy: The ESU recognizes the SFU is built upon the unceded, stolen lands of the Traditional Coast Salish Peoples, including the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) , Qayqayt, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo, and Tsawwassen Nations. The ESU is committed to advocating for Indigenous peoples’ rights to sovereignty, including but not limited to sovereignty of land, culture, belief, and self.

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• Anti-racism: The ESU is an anti-racist organization in that its members enforce a zero-tolerance policy on racism, actively challenging systemic racism and other forms of discrimination, both within the English Department and throughout Simon Fraser University as a whole, and strive to elevate BIPOC voices whenever possible.

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• Anti-Gender/Sexuality-Based Discrimination: The ESU supports, centres, and advocates all member of the LGBTQIA2S+ community. 

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• Trans-, Intersex-, and Gender-Inclusivity: The ESU is committed to ensuring that the rights of trans and intersex people are respected across campus. Trans and intersex individuals are always welcome in ESU spaces, and gender policing will not be tolerated.

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• Pro-Feminism: The ESU is committed to the struggle for women’s rights and is opposed to all forms of oppression. The ESU recognizes the intersectional nature of the fight for women’s rights and work to elevate BIPOC and Queer Women’s voices at a heightened level.

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• Pro-Choice: The ESU supports the view that people should have access to information and resources for sexual and reproductive health, including but not limited to abortion. The ESU is committed to upholding every individual’s right to autonomy over their own body.

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• Sex-Positivity: The ESU recognizes the importance of safe and consensual sexual practices and advocates for education and resources which centre around these ideas. The ESU supports, stands by, and believes survivors. The ESU acknowledges that sex workers deserve safety, dignity, and respect.

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• Environmental Advocacy: The ESU recognizes the reality of the climate crisis and is committed to guiding our activities with regard to environmental conservation, as well as supporting movements which protect our Earth.

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• Mental Health: The ESU acknowledges the necessity for culturally competent and racially aware mental health services for all SFU students. The ESU recognizes the importance of mental health and supports students in prioritizing and advocating for mental wellbeing. 

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• Accessibility: The ESU uplifts and creates space for students with diverse abilities and is committed to providing equal access and participation opportunities for all students.

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• Anti-Hate: The ESU rejects any form of hate, presented through any means; including but not limited to hate speech, hate crimes, acts of violence, all forms of bullying (including cyberbullying and social exclusion), and racial-, xenophobic-, religious-, or homophobic-based intolerance.