Candidate Profile: James Ramsey
By Ana Nicasio

Second-year and Merrill College student James Ramsey has been involved with the SUA for two years now. A candidate for commissioner of diversity, Ramsey has continuously worked with the Queer Student Union and within the LGBTIQQI community as external vice chair, and is currently the financial representative. He has also worked as the Merrill College representative.

Identifying as a queer student of color, Ramsey believes he brings in a lot of different perspectives, as well a creative approach to working with the broader student population. With his extensive background, Ramsey wants to work with the SUA to focus on issues of diversity that are not being addressed.

“First and foremost, I want to work with SOAR in building closer relationships with student diversity organizations,” he said. “As commissioner of diversity, I want to make sure that all students of colors’ needs are being met by the university.”

He considers accessibility to the university one of the biggest issues on campus, because it affects everyone. Instead of focusing on simply creating safe spaces for students, Ramsey wants to address this issue by creating an overall safe campus for students of color and the diverse student population.

Recently elected the UC-wide LGBTIQQI co-chair, Ramsey hopes to see more dialogue between SUA and the broader student community, as well as stronger ties with the Academic Senate and campus staff in general. He also wants to increase ally programs and overall educate the broader student community.

“UCSC’s strength is in organizing power and how much life and vitality organizations put into their work,” Ramsey said.