ASUC Senator Matthew Pitcher introduced a resolution calling for UC Berkeley to implement suicide-safe window measures across all residence halls.

According to campus spokesperson Lindsey Michels, Units 1, 2 and 3 already have custom window limiters installed that restrict openings to a maximum of four inches. Michels noted in an email that staff inspect the conditions of limiters during residence hall health and safety inspections.

Studies have shown that even minimal structural intervention can lead to a significant decrease in reported suicide attempts.

“Means restriction is a science-backed approach to suicide prevention,” said sophomore theater student Sophia Lee, who initially reached out to Pitcher to propose the resolution. “Suicide is an indefinite consequence of maybe a split-second decision.”

Lee said she approached Pitcher because she realized she had an “opportunity to actually do something,” following the death of a fellow theater student in April.

“Even though I didn’t know him, it still affected me and the theater community a lot,” Lee said. “I realized everything that I was feeling, and despite grief, I knew that there was a problem.”

The resolution will be sent to the ASUC University and External Affairs Committee next Monday; if it advances, it will then move to the senate for a final vote.

Lee, who has worked in safe messaging at Youth Creating Change for the last three years, said prevention begins with broader mental health support.

“I think it can really start from the ground up, so that just comes with being a good friend, knowing the signs of suicide and being able to directly ask that question: Are you thinking about suicide?” Lee said. “There’s a myth that if you ask that question to somebody, then it’ll put thoughts of suicide in their head. Actually, this is not true. It gives them a space to discuss something that maybe they were trying to keep secret.”

Pitcher said the structural interventions should be paired with counseling and other mental health services in what he calls a “multi-pronged approach” to suicide prevention.

While he hasn’t met with campus administration in the resolution’s drafting stage, Pitcher said he looks forward to doing so if the resolution passes.

“Students seeking mental health support can access counseling, advocacy, resources and referrals through University Health Services’ (UHS) Social Services and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS),” Michels said in an email. “Students can schedule a counseling appointment through MyUCBerkeleyHealth or by calling (510) 642-9494 Monday through Friday. For after-hours support, students can call (855) 817-5667.”