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Sunday, March 22, 2026

Opinion

Florida Alligator
Opinion

Mascot Mishap

When students were given the chance to decide on their school mascot, they chose the Gators. At least that was the case in Arkansas' Two Rivers School District after a school merger - and UF is not happy about it.


Florida Alligator
Opinion

Ways to excel in academics, social life

Last week, I began my list of seven important lessons for incoming UF freshmen. I mentioned the importance of living in the dorms, learning how to cook on a budget and studying with a purpose. If you missed last week's column, check out the Opinions page at alligator.org. This week, I continue with the fourth tip.


Florida Alligator
Opinion

Organizations don’t oppose ordinance

Although I’m very happy to see the Alligator following up on the drinking ordinance, I’d like to clarify a few confusions. I said that I was going to try to work with the UF College Democrats and members of Student Government to see if we could get bipartisan support in opposing the ordinance, but I haven’t gotten the confirmed support yet. I wanted to clear this up because, as of now, these organizations are in no way associated with this opposition.


Florida Alligator
Opinion

Church is ignorant of Islamic faith

The politics of the Dove World Outreach Center has left a vile mark on the Gainesville community. The Center’s recent protest against the Islamic Center of Gainesville, 1010 W University Ave., sent a clear message of hate, bigotry and sheer ignorance of the Islamic faith and the Muslim communities that work, study and raise families in Gainesville. Many laudable public events in Gainesville have encouraged and showcased interfaith understanding, such as the Children of Abraham Seder held last year. However, the Monday protest was a divisive occurrence demonstrating the need for community action.


Florida Alligator
Opinion

Important tips for incoming freshmen

Because entering college doesn’t come with an instruction manual like your iPad does, I thought I would impart a few quick-but-vital lessons to the newly arrived crop of UF students. Due to space limitations, I have broken this into a two-part series for this week and the next.


Florida Alligator
Opinion

Parking-ticket policy is frustrating

I recall people on Turlington Plaza protesting UF parking. I am writing to encourage their demonstrations. I recently received a parking citation for my scooter. While I can say the citation (for sidewalk parking) is incorrect, I would also like to point out that I am the type of person who never breaks rules, no matter what. But through this ticket-receiving process I have witnessed with my own eyes how evil the UFPD parking enforcement is.


Florida Alligator
Opinion

Tax can help prevent skin cancer

Your article about the federal tan tax addressed the concerns of small-business owners, but it did not convey the compelling, irrefutable scientific evidence that shows the use of indoor tanning beds can increase the risk for skin cancer.


Florida Alligator
Opinion

Bad Bong: Bill won’t stop drug abusers

It became a crime to sell pipes and bongs in the state of Florida on Thursday unless the store selling them gets at least 75 percent of its revenue from tobacco sales. According to the state, these devices are not being used to smoke tobacco, but illegal drugs, so they have every right to criminalize them.



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