Editor’s note: This post was updated to include that the author is running for the Undergraduate Students Association Council.

In this year’s USAC elections, we will have 40 candidates, each with a unique set of viewpoints on a host of issues. While voters hear out each candidate and what they have to offer, I encourage them to pinpoint a candidate’s position on two key issues: Palestine and free speech.

Since Oct. 7, college campuses across the country have been deeply affected by the Israeli-Palestine conflict, and UCLA is no exception. Over 350 members of the faculty signed a letter to the administration to crack down on peaceful pro-Palestine protestors that allegedly promoted celebrations of Hamas, and the UC Board of Regents is considering a new policy that would restrict academic freedom by prohibiting university departments from issuing out political statements on their website homepages.

These administrative efforts to curtail free speech underscore the necessity for a student government that staunchly supports its students’ rights to express their views, particularly those supporting Palestine.

I understand that such issues are not traditionally listed in the job descriptions of USAC positions. It might seem distant for roles like the student wellness commissioner to address these concerns. However, it is a matter of principle and practicality.

First, UCLA’s student government must be composed of individuals who not only oppose the genocide in Palestine, but also vigorously defend the principle of free speech on campus. Many of us believe we would have stood against historical atrocities if given the chance. The ongoing situation in Gaza and the attempts to stifle campus speech are present-day challenges that demand vocal opposition and advocacy from our student leaders.

A candidate’s commitment – or lack thereof – to these principles offers key insights into their values and where their loyalties lie, directly impacting their suitability to represent the UCLA student body.

Furthermore, issues affecting free speech and our school’s relationship with Israel are voted on by every member of USAC. The resolution endorsing the Boycott, Divest, and Sanctions movement passed this year by USAC is a notable example. It highlights the influential role that each office plays in shaping the policies emerging from student government.

It is paramount for each candidate to clearly articulate their stance on Palestine and free speech within the context of UCLA. This will equip students with the necessary information to choose representatives who will not only vote in alignment with their views on pivotal issues but also robustly defend their right to express those views on campus.

As we approach this year’s USAC elections, it is imperative that we thoroughly scrutinize each candidate’s platform and commitments. The outcomes of these elections could either propel forward the positive changes we have seen this year or risk reversing them. These elections are among the most consequential we have faced.

It is crucial for every voter to carefully evaluate the candidates, understanding their positions not just on day-to-day university matters but also on broader issues that reflect our values and the future direction of UCLA. Engaging with the candidates, asking probing questions and demanding clear stances on key issues such as Palestine and free speech are essential steps. This ensures that our student government remains a body that truly represents the interests and upholds the rights of all students.

Choose wisely – the future of our school depends on you.

Tajvir Singh is a third-year political science student at UCLA who is also running for USAC president.