Opinion | Columns - The Independent Florida Alligator

OPINION | COLUMNS

Student Government overspends on Roddy Ricch

By Brandon Telg | Mar. 14, 2022

SG paid Roddy Ricch to perform at the O'Connell Center Feb. 8. In 2021, UF Student Government transferred $1.55 million from its reserves to improve the student experience “as in-person activities return[ed].” Of that money, $750,000 went to SGP. I don’t have an issue with Roddy Ricch as a performer. In fact, I was at the show. But as someone who has worked in live event production for years, I can tell you that’s an obscene amount of money for one act — especially given the turnout of the event. According to The Alligator, of the 6,500 seats available, only about 3,000 were filled.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Are we REALLY all in this together?

By Steven Kirn | Jan. 31, 2022

UF's reputation is under threat. There is a serious breakdown of trust and faith in the school’s academic governing process, the very concept of collegiality and respect for the role of faculty.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Fast times at The Alligator

By Chloe Greenberg | Dec. 6, 2021

J’etudie journalisme. (I’m studying journalism). (French).

OPINION | COLUMNS

Ode to exhausting accountability

By Steven Walker | Dec. 6, 2021

Steven Walker, Fall 2021 editor-in-chief, writes his farewell to The Alligator

OPINION | COLUMNS

Sundays are for The Alligator. Always.

By Carolina Ilvento | Dec. 6, 2021

That’s the thing about The Alligator — we care so much for the paper that covering stories is so instinctive that we may forget to sleep. Maybe I don’t need to sleep. Can I stay a bit longer?

OPINION | COLUMNS

Your passion led me here

By Kristin Bausch | Dec. 6, 2021

It’s really hard to pinpoint why this moment is so bitter-sweet, but when you’re surrounded by hardworking individuals 24/7 it’s hard to let that feeling go.

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.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Time for UF to clean house

Nov. 22, 2021

UF President Kent Fuchs, Provost Joe Glover, Dean Michael Perri and Dean Colleen Koch should resign immediately. Dan Mullen’s team giving up 52 points to Samford made for an unpleasant few hours, but the actions of Fuchs, Glover, Perri and Koch have permanently damaged the university’s reputation and abdicated its mission.

OPINION | COLUMNS

What you can do to curb the flu outbreak

Nov. 22, 2021

Earlier this fall, we were not sure what to expect this flu season. Would influenza remain at the low levels we’ve experienced throughout the pandemic or would it resurface with a vengeance?

OPINION | COLUMNS

Dear legislature: Give us a voice in redistricting

Nov. 9, 2021

It is often said that if elections are when voters choose their politicians, then redistricting is when politicians choose their voters.

OPINION | COLUMNS

A nationwide housing crisis hits locally

Nov. 9, 2021

The state of affordable housing in Alachua County continues to deteriorate. Tenants across the board are being crushed by rising rent prices.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Contrary to popular belief, not everyone wants campus libraries open 24/7

Nov. 5, 2021

Abigail Hasebroock is a UF journalism junior and a frustrated Federal Work Study student.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Pathways to opportunity and involvement at UF

Nov. 3, 2021

At a school with more than 60,000 students, it seems paradoxical that engaging with campus can be difficult.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Dear college coaches and athletics: Enough is enough

Oct. 8, 2021

Sierra Jones is a former Belmont University basketball player.

OPINION | COLUMNS

A day of gratitude, reflection and celebration: Feb. 9, 2022

Oct. 4, 2021

Feb. 9, 2022 will be UF’s Day of Gratitude, with an overarching theme of reflecting on UF’s core values. Our core values include excellence, discovery and innovation, inclusion, freedom and civility, community and stewardship.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Upbeat GNV wants to tackle musician mental health

Sep. 30, 2021

Gainesville volunteer organization Upbeat GNV offers help and resources to better the mental wellness of local musicians.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Gabby Petito’s story is more common than we think

Sep. 30, 2021

Seeing the video of Gabby Petito in the backseat of a police car absolutely broke my heart, and it should break yours, too. Not just for Gabby’s family, but for all the women in America who have sat in that exact same seat.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Bringing food to East Gainesville

Sep. 17, 2021

Latashia Brimm is community food project coordinator and Staci White is community food project logistics team support at Grace Grows.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Here’s what the doctor recommends to keep influenza and COVID-19 away

Sep. 15, 2021

Dr. Ron Berry is the director of the University of Florida Student Health Care Center.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Health and safety concerns from a UF faculty member

Aug. 30, 2021

UF President Kent Fuchs and the Board of Trustees have turned their backs on the UF campus community. Their decision to ban even temporary measures puts all of us at risk and it represents a fundamental failure to rise to the needs of the day.