Sasha Morel

Sasha Morel is a freshman studying Philosophy and Politics and is a private debate coach for students across the nation. His opinion pieces for the Alligator focus on the intersectionality between Gainesville and the people, problems, and politics that affect the city. He works to inspire structural changes through intellectually profound and empathetic analysis of current events.

A White House celebration for the U.S. men’s Olympic hockey team has renewed discussion about disparities in recognition between men’s and women’s hockey.

Daniela Peñafiel

OPINION | COLUMNS

OPINION: They can play, but they can’t celebrate

By Sasha Morel | Mar. 1

On Feb. 26, the U.S. men’s Olympic hockey team took home the gold medal for the first time in over four decades. Directly after the win, the team spoke with Trump on the phone, and the president facetiously claimed he would be forced to invite the women’s team to celebrate alongside the men. If he didn’t, Trump said, they would “impeach him.”

Students are prompted to pay with their GATORONE ID card at Rawlings Hall, Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, in Gainesville, Fla.

Bayden Armstrong

OPINION | COLUMNS

OPINION: Why FLEX isn’t flexible at all

By Sasha Morel | Feb. 18

FLEX has worsened the lives of both students and Gainesville residents. Here’s how.

The Gourmet Muffin, a bakery based in Stuart, Fla., is one of the most popular vendors at Haile Plantation Farmers Market. A line wraps around their tent in Gainesville, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026.

Bayden Armstrong

OPINION | COLUMNS

Gainesville farmers markets have lost the plot

By Sasha Morel | Feb. 2

Farmers markets are supposed to be the city’s antidote to industrial food: shorter supply chains, more money staying in the region and a direct relationship between the person who grows the food and the person who eats it.

Students walking on campus near the Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education on Jan. 16, 2026

Chloe Martin

OPINION | COLUMNS

The Hamilton School’s blind spots, from the perspective of one of its students

By Sasha Morel | Jan. 24

Here are what I would call the “blind spots” of the Hamilton School.

Eastern Market lies dormant at 1349 NW 23rd Ave in Gainesville, Fla. Thursday, Jan 8, 2026.

Matthew Quesada

OPINION | COLUMNS

UF can’t fight hunger while defunding transit

By Sasha Morel | Jan. 14

Despite the countless initiatives, services and even new grocery stores appearing in Gainesville, food insecurity is back on the rise as of late 2025, with local food shelters such as Deeper Purpose Community Food Ministries reporting an increase from 10 to 40 phone calls per day directed toward food assistance.

Sasha Morel

OPINION: They can play, but they can’t celebrate

OPINION: Why FLEX isn’t flexible at all

Gainesville farmers markets have lost the plot

The Hamilton School’s blind spots, from the perspective of one of its students

UF can’t fight hunger while defunding transit

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