GOODBYE COLUMN: I was warned Week 16 would come quicker than I’d like it to. When you stare 16 long weeks in the face, that warning seems silly. But it’s true.
GOODBYE COLUMN: When you're crouched at the starting line and the signal to run sounds off, I imagine you only have two options — freeze or fly.
GOODBYE COLUMN: I've spent five semesters at The Alligator, three of those as a desk editor. And recently, I've noticed a shift. Managing editors who used to seem terrifying are now my friends. Freshman reporters I used to see hurry home after meetings are now sticking around to chat. The best part of The Alligator — besides its phenomenal coverage — is the community it creates.
GOODBYE COLUMN: I learned how to be a journalist in my sophomore year bedroom. I typed up breaking news briefs, missing gecko mysteries and protest recaps under my collaged poster wall. It was almost a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, and The Alligator staff was forced to work from behind computer screens and double masks.
OPINION: Many community news outlets are eliminating their opinion sections. Think this is happening in some far-off, sparsely populated town? Surprise! It’s occurring near you in Gainesville.
OPINION: The only way we can repair the culture of student involvement at UF is to change the way we look at it.
Although it took eight years, I’m now a graduating senior and expect this will be my final column. My last day as president will be Feb. 5, 2023. For the past eight years, there are two words from my August 2015 Alligator column I have worked to remember.
We, the Change Caucus, would like to update the readership of The Independent Florida Alligator on recent news from the UF Student Senate. On Nov. 13, the UF Senate Judiciary Committee moved to indefinitely postpone the Change Caucus-authored articles of impeachment against Student Body President Lauren Lemasters.
OPINION: Other cities and states have indefinitely suspended the use of K-9 programs after similar incidents of police dogs biting suspects who are on the ground. We demand that the City Commission eliminate the canine unit at GPD.
OPINION: Dr. Sasse will be a wonderful and thoughtful president not just for me, but for every person on campus, regardless of ethnicity, sexuality, religion or party affiliation.
OPINION: I will continue to luchar por mis estudios because I’m a bright individual who earned his place here at UF. I will not allow anyone or anything to tell me otherwise.
We’re requesting an interview with you, Mr. Sasse. You can name the place and time, and we’ll be there ready to ask the questions — even the difficult ones. We have no allegiance to campus leadership and will continue to cover your presidency and hold you accountable.
OPINION: The rights and benefits most important to your generation are just a vote away. If you don’t vote, don’t complain about the outcome.
OPINION: The apparently imminent appointment of Ben Sasse will leave me no choice but to renounce my alma mater and forsake Gator Nation.
OPINION: Object, call out, denounce, but don’t let it make you mad. Not just because that’s what they want, but because the author and their argument are not worth your emotional energy.
OPINION: My foremost impression of this ordeal has nothing to do with Sasse himself. It concerns freedom of belief and academic liberty here at UF.
However, despite the three semesters of reporting from our hard-working staff, the announcement of Sen. Ben Sasse as the sole presidential finalist came as a shock to The Alligator.
The protest that occurred at Emerson Hall was the first one I had ever attended, and it showed me how important it is for everyone to speak up for the things they believe in. I went into the protest believing we would all be able to speak to Ben Sasse directly, explaining to him why he is unfit for the job of UF president. But this wasn’t the case.
We are declaring Wednesday, October 12, to be a Day of Gratitude. On that day, we are acknowledging and thanking every UF student, faculty and staff member for their work in overcoming the challenges of the pandemic.
As The Alligator gets ready to launch a forthcoming project on the local impact of Roe v. Wade’s reversal, we’re asking for your help. Students and Gainesville residents, we want to hear from you.
Solutions by The State News
