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Sunday, July 12, 2026

Opinion

Sports

A leap of faith

Saying goodbye is a cathartic exercise. After five semesters at The Alligator, I take away more personal development from the experience than anything to do with journalism. Although, I grew in those ways too. 


Opinion

Don’t forget the best parts

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. 


Opinion

A journalist is born — from her bedroom

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.


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Opinion

Opinion sections matter

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. 


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Opinion

Finishing Where I Began

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. 


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Opinion

Gator’s Don’t Bite. An Update from Change Caucus

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. 


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Opinion

Time to retire the GPD K-9 Unit

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.


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Opinion

In Defense of Ben Sasse

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.


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Opinion

Dear Ben Sasse,

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.


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Opinion

Where’s the outrage?

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. 



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