Campus sophomore José Massuh is running independently for ASUC Senate on platforms dedicated to Latine representation, Greek life representation and sexual violence and sexual harassment, or SVSH, prevention and ASUC honesty.

Currently working in ASUC Senator Shay Cohen’s office and having been a former campaign manager for ASUC presidential candidate Catherine Bauer, Massuh seeks to bring his unique perspective as an international Latine student to the ASUC Senate.

“I’ve known what it’s like to be part of a community that does not have its voices heard,” Massuh said. “I want to make it so that people not only of my background but really all minorities, and all people, have equal opportunity.”

One of Massuh’s goals is creating a weekly newsletter and career fair for Latine students to have greater access to unique job opportunities.

Massuh said coming to Berkeley was “intimidating” until he eventually found his path to becoming involved in student government.

“My main goal is to be not only a representative, but a constant ally and resource,” Massuh said. “A place where all these students that are struggling to find their path can go.”

For Massuh, the Greek life community has helped make Berkeley feel like home for him. However, he seeks to combat SVSH within the Greek life community. In Cohen’s office, Massuh noted he has been involved in developing an SVSH curriculum and green badge clearance at Greek life events.

Massuh has also been involved in the development of the Bear Line anonymous hotline that students attending social events can use. As a senator, Massuh hopes to make Bear Line mandatory at all Berkeley social events and an official Registered Student Organization so that it may receive additional funding.

“This is an amazing way that creates safety, not only for SVSH incidents, but really for any type of problem that can occur in any fraternity or Berkeley social event,” Massuh said.

Massuh noted that while a large portion of semesterly tuition goes into the ASUC, most students are not aware of Senate proceedings. If elected, Massuh seeks to continue the initiative he began with Cohen on ASUC meeting transparency by uploading weekly recaps of senate meetings to social media.

He hopes that by continuing this initiative students will be encouraged to get involved and learn more about opportunities available to them.

Massuh is endorsed by two ASUC senators, Cohen and Senator Tyler Mahomes, as well as the Zeta Psi and Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternities.

“I feel a very deep commitment to public service,” Massuh said. “I’ve had all these amazing opportunities that I want to make sure that I give opportunities back and help my community and the people around me make the most of the opportunities they have as well.”