Beebe Perez
Students deserve to feel heard, supported, and connected, especially in moments when their voices are most at risk of being overlooked. I am running for ASUCD Senator to protect student representation and strengthen the communities that make UC Davis feel like home.
My first priority is ensuring that student voice and governance remain protected and respected. In today’s political climate, where marginalized communities often face silencing and disinvestment, student governments must remain strong and secure. The history of the UC system shows that student autonomy has not always been guaranteed; student governments have been forced to fight for their independence through measures like changing the vocabulary of their MOUs or even restructuring their funding entirely to survive. That should not be the standard. As one of the largest student governments in the nation, ASUCD has both the responsibility and the power to advocate for stronger protections at the UC level. I will work to push for institutional safety nets that ensure continuity, recognition, and autonomy of student governance so that students are never left without representation or support, regardless of the political climate.
My second priority is cultivating a stronger, more connected campus community by uplifting the spaces and organizations that bring students together. Mental health and belonging are deeply tied to student success. “Third spaces,” like the Student Community Center, live music venues, creative spaces, and cultural hubs play a critical role in this. However, many of these spaces and the Registered Student Organizations that sustain them are underfunded and under-recognized. I want to change that. I will advocate for increased funding, visibility, and institutional support for RSOs and community-driven spaces. This includes improving outreach, strengthening social media engagement, and ensuring that smaller or emerging groups have access to the resources they need to thrive. We cannot expect these spaces to support a large and diverse student body if they are struggling to support themselves.
Ultimately, my vision is simple: a campus where every student feels represented in decision-making and connected to a community that supports them. By protecting student voices and investing in the spaces that bring us together, we can build a UC Davis that is more inclusive, resilient, and united.