Running for the Undergraduate Students Association Council was the best experience of my college career. That’s not something you’d expect to hear from many. Like many political things, student government elections get painted in an overwhelmingly negative light. Things like candidates attacking each other or trivial differences, inflating their resumes and strategizing to make their […]
Author Archives: Rafael Sands
Submission: New USAC campaign aims to strengthen student connection to government
Exactly two months ago, the campus lay the quietest I’ve seen it in my time as a student: no rallies in Bruin Plaza, no flyering on Bruin Walk, no cultural events or fundraisers. Nov. 9 wasn’t a holiday or during finals week. It was the day Hillary Clinton conceded to President-elect Donald Trump. Some were […]
Submission: Voting is the best way to ensure lawmakers listen to student demands
Nov. 8, 2016 is on track to be a historic day for Californians, and Donald Trump has nothing to do with it. This year, California voters will have the chance to decide on 17 state ballot measures that have the ability to legalize recreational marijuana, reduce prescription drug prices, require background checks on ammunition sales, […]
Submission: UC students should collaborate to tackle middle-income struggles
When Danny McElaney checked his BruinBill last year and saw that he had received $140 though California’s Middle Class Scholarship, he laughed. McElaney, a second-year economics student, has one working parent who makes too much to qualify for financial aid through the University of California, but far too little to cover the costs of education […]
Submission: Students should value increased representation before UC Regents
On Thursday, the Daily Bruin’s editorial board published a piece claiming that the regents’ consideration of a proposal to add an additional student voice on the board will do no good. The editorial suggested that any expanded opportunities for student representation on the board, without actual voting power, is unlikely to make any difference – […]