Dear Editor,

This is a critical time for the University of California. With the struggles students face against budget cuts, hate crimes and access and affordability to the university, we must stand in solidarity to ensure the quality of life on campus is one of unity and diversity. Student government is an important political avenue that should advocate on behalf of the interest of all students on campus.

Student governments must prioritize putting the issues that affect students at the forefront of the campus agenda. These issues consist of providing students with an affordable college experience, ensuring a sustainable lifestyle, fostering student and civic engagement as well as fighting for the diverse student-body interest. The political platform represented by the executive candidates of the Students First slate emphasizes student engagement, accessible affordable and quality education, student unity, accountability and transparency. These priorities expressed by Students First focus on the most pertinent issues affecting student life.

In this critical point in the history of the UC system, California and education as a whole, it is time for us to take concrete action and entrust individuals with the experience and passion to best represent student needs. As the undergraduate student body president at UCLA, I fully endorse the student first, and I am confident that the Students First slate at UCSD is more than ready to answer this call to action.

—Cinthia N. Flores

President,

2009-10 UCLA Undergraduate Student Association