UC Berkeley sophomore Sumrit Grewal announced her independent senate candidacy for the 2019 ASUC elections.

Grewal, a prelaw student who is studying society and environment, is the official candidate endorsed by the leaders of the Middle Eastern Muslim Sikh and South Asian Coalition, or MEMSSA. As the president of the UC Berkeley chapter of Jakara Movement, Grewal has led grassroots movements to strengthen the voices of marginalized communities.

Grewal’s academic empowerment platform aims to bridge the inequitable access gap to student resources by partnering with campus advising and other stakeholders. Her holistic welfare platform aims to destigmatize mental illness and encourage collaboration with the Tang Center, the Residence Hall Assembly and other campus organizations.

“We should have physical and sexual health resources as well, not just mental health resources,” Grewal said. “Collaborating with CalCentral technicians and administrations to finish (the) ‘My Wellness’ tab and accessibility for physical and mental health resources should be expanded. I hope to navigate with my partners and other senators to create these resources.”

Grewal’s last platform aims to unify the MEMSSA community by establishing a renewable MEMSSA grant and securing additional prayer spaces on campus.

Campus junior and UC Berkeley Jakara Movement board member Simran Thind said Grewal’s work is tailored toward the people in the community, especially those who are most affected by institutional violence.

“Sumrit is a community organizer, that’s the most important thing folks need to remember,” Thind said in an email. “She’s continually fought for folks and brought folks together to create community, solidarity, and change through various mediums. I know that she won’t back down from any difficult fights if elected in senate because she’s never gave in and is extremely resilient.”

Voting for the ASUC elections will be held April 8, 9 and 10.