Caroline Lankarani

My name is Caroline Lankarani, but friends call me Carly. I am running to be your Off-Campus Senator for the upcoming 2024-25 academic year. I am a third-year History of Art & Architecture + Anthropology undergrad with a strong passion for community activism, disability justice, and promoting a positive learning environment. I am currently the BCU Liason for the AS Commission on Culture, Arts, and Joy Justice, as well as co-chair of the Isla Vista Small Business and Artist's Cooperative.

Our students are struggling, whether it be with food insecurity, housing accommodations, or with mental or physical health, we as students need to COMMIT to taking care of one another. I believe that it is our duty as students, regardless of any and all differences, to stand up for one another against all forms of injustice. This past school year, it has been made clear to me that our current student leadership and administration are not prioritizing or advocating for the students they claim to represent. I feel that as a student, I have no voice in how affairs on campus are conducted. I have been disappointed over and over again by how our school does not take bullying, harassment, and violence against marginalized students seriously. As a queer, nonbinary, disabled, mixed race student, I rely on the support given to me by student-run BCUs, who do amazing work to provide safe spaces and community for students of all races, genders, religions, and abilities.

My platform/goals as senator:
1) DEMAND DIVESTMENT NOW! Student fees should be funding OUR education and wellbeing as students, not funding wars and the indiscriminate killing of civilians.
2) Take all students' experiences seriously, and fight for a more accessible and equitable campus.
3) Promote and amplify the voices and needs of marginalized students.
4) Commit to holding AS Leadership accountable for their misrepresentation and mistreatment of BCU's, students of colour, and contributing to a hostile environment on campus.