2 - The Independent Florida Alligator

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

AFA 4225 Blacks in Florida: A disagreement is not a controversy

Dec. 2, 2021

Before I left home for work on Monday, I received an email about an essay in The Independent Florida Alligator titled “UF African American Studies course title sparks controversy among students.” When I read the headline, I was surprised about the title, because when I agreed to the interview, I thought the article was going to highlight the goals and objectives of the AFA 4225 Blacks in Florida course. The Alligator has a right to publish essays on any topics, but this essay examines how the “Blacks in Florida” title reflects its historical context and why it's not a controversial title.

Florida's Tyree Appleby pictured during a Nov. 14 game against Florida State

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Sooners take down No. 14 Florida for Gators’ first loss

By Joseph Henry | Dec. 1, 2021

“Tough, tough, tough road game. The atmosphere was crazy,” Florida guard Phlandrous Fleming Jr. said following Florida’s 74-67 loss to Oklahoma Wednesday.

Florida's Kiara Smith pictured during a Feb. 28, 2021 game against Georgia. The senior scored 23 points and dished out eight assists in UF's upset victory over LSU Sunday.

SPORTS | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

George Mason snaps Florida’s five-game winning streak

By Ryan Zehnder | Dec. 1, 2021

Amaya Scott scored 25 as George Mason defeated Florida on Wednesday night, 75-71.

Protestors lock arms to block traffic on Northeast 39th Avenue outside Alachua County Jail on Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021.

METRO | BREAKING NEWS

Internal investigation reveals no policy misconduct in death of former inmate’s baby

By Isabella Douglas | Dec. 1, 2021

A four-month-long internal Alachua County Sheriff’s Office investigation into the birth of a newborn behind bars and her eventual death, revealed Tuesday that no misconduct took place inside the jail. However, the mother’s supporters disagree.

METRO | CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

Marihelen Wheeler appointed chair of Alachua County Commission

By Bryce Brown | Dec. 1, 2021

Wheeler won her seat on the County Commission in 2018 and is now entering the fourth and final year of her term as commissioner after being appointed to chair on Nov. 9. Commissioners will serve as the chair at some point before their term ends, said Wheeler, who served as vice-chair last year.

SPANISH

La investigación interna revela ninguna mala conducta política en la muerte del bebé de una ex reclusa

By Isabella Douglas and Saira González | Dec. 1, 2021

La investigación incluyó el testimonio de testigos del personal de operaciones de seguridad y los proveedores médicos, así como una revisión de las imágenes de seguridad, el registro de los oficiales y los registros médicos, dijo el portavoz de la ACSO, Kaley Behl.

Cristie Anderson, 38, a nursing student at Santa Fe College, passes by the Alan J. Robertson Administration building on Friday, June 18, 2021.

NEWS | SFC

Santa Fe food pantry Saints Food Share to be renovated in January

By Eve Thompson | Dec. 1, 2021

The food pantry was founded in 2010 by two SF professors: Sarah Stone and Kerry Chancey. The pantry aims to combat food insecurity in the community.

COVID 19 | UF

COVID-19 Update: Local cases, Shands hospitalizations continue falling as new Omicron variant emerges

By J.P. Oprison | Dec. 1, 2021

The new COVID-19 variant, known as Omicron, has been designated as a “variant of concern” by the World Health Organization. It was first reported to WHO by South African scientists Nov. 24.

NEWS | SFC

Santa Fe College COVID-19 Update: Two positive cases reported in last week

By Eve Thompson | Dec. 1, 2021

There were two fewer reported cases than the previous week.

Florida volunteer coach Katie Ledecky swims freestyle during a competition in a meet against Georgia Friday Oct. 29, 2021.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS SWIM AND DIVE

Gators swimmers aim for national impact at US Open

By Jackson Castellano | Dec. 1, 2021

17 members of the Gators swim program, joined by volunteer coach and Olympic legend Katie Ledecky, will compete at the US Open this week in Greensboro, NC.

Tigert Hall is seen on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021.

NEWS | CAMPUS BREAKING NEWS

UF professor files grievance over school’s denial of critical race theory concentration title

By Elena Barrera | Dec. 1, 2021

UF Associate Provost Chris Hass met with the College of Education’s faculty Sept. 28 to discuss the curriculum initiatives surrounding race and antiracism, according to a grievance filed by Chris Busey, a UF College of Education professor.

Florida's Phlandrous Fleming matches up against Florida State's Matthew Cleveland during a Nov. 14 game.

SPORTS | BASKETBALL

No. 14 Gators set sights on the Sooner State

By Karina Wilson | Nov. 30, 2021

No. 14 Florida looks to improve to 7-0 on the season for the first time since 2012-13, but it must first encounter Oklahoma on its home court.

Rabbi Berl Goldman takes a picture of a group of girls in front of the menorah at the Plaza of Americas on Monday, Nov. 29, 2021.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Chabad UF celebrates second night of Hanukkah

By Emma Behrmann | Nov. 30, 2021

The Gainesville Jewish community gathered in the Plaza of the Americas to celebrate the second night of Hanukkah with a campus menorah lighting. A tent in front of Library West showcased tables of latkes, doughnuts and menorah kits.

Florida's T'ara Ceasar pictured during a match against Texas A&M on Oct. 16, 2021.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

T’ara Ceasar steps away from Florida volleyball

By Carson Cashion | Nov. 29, 2021

Gators volleyball star T’ara Ceasar will be stepping away from the team before the NCAA Tournament later this week, according to an announcement made by her on her Instagram Monday night.

Studies have shown that, contrary to stereotypes, young adults are more susceptible to struggle with addiction than other age groups.

ENTERPRISE | HEALTH

Young adults struggle with alcohol misuse more than other age groups

By Luigi Bencosme | Nov. 29, 2021

While many may expect older people to be affected, data shows those aged 18 to 25 have the highest rate of alcohol use disorder.

SPANISH

UF ata cabos sueltos en escándalo de libertad académica, aumentan las críticas UF ata cabos sueltos en escándalo de libertad académica, aumentan las críticas

By Melissa Hernandez De La Cruz , Camila Pereira and Elena Barrera | Nov. 29, 2021

La semana pasada, UF concluyó su investigación interna sobre conflictos de intereses y políticas de actividades externas, y ofreció recomendaciones de políticas para evitar futuros escándalos.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

UF, UAA has failed its students, alumni, faculty and staff (again)

By the Editorial Board | Nov. 29, 2021

UF reached top 5 status in September. But as the semester progressed, our staff uncovered news beyond the university’s nagging pursuit of rank. Our reporters were busy covering the gaps in university’s decisions that made national headlines.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Holiday light and song for a strong finish

Nov. 29, 2021

These final, hustling weeks of Fall are among my favorite times on campus. We return refreshed by Thanksgiving break, ready to finish the semester strong and looking forward to the celebrations ahead — from graduation to the holidays and New Year.

NEWS | CAMPUS UF ADMINISTRATION

UF ties up loose ends in academic freedom scandal, criticism mounts

By Camila Pereira and Elena Barrera | Nov. 29, 2021

Although the report followed recommendations made by a task force created to reimagine UF’s conflict of interest policies, the proposed changes would still allow the university to bar professors from testifying in the future.

Florida’s Anthony Richardson pictured handing the ball to running back Dameon Pierce during the Gators’ Nov. 27 game against Florida State.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

About time: Richardson and Pierce lead Gators over ‘Noles

By Michael Hull | Nov. 29, 2021

Quarterback Anthony Richardson and running back Dameon Pierce saw more work than usual Saturday, and the results proved fruitful. While their performances helped lead the Gators to a victory and bowl eligibility, was it too little, too late?