The Lawrence Times runs opinion columns written by community members with varying perspectives on local issues. Occasionally, we’ll also pick up columns from other nearby news outlets. These pieces do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Times staff.
The Lawrence Times does not publish staff editorials (unsigned opinion columns, usually about the topics we cover, that many news publications run).
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OPINION COLUMNS
Tom Harper/Lawrence Times
Tom Harper: Developments at 11th and Mass create excitement for historic downtown Lawrence (Column)
”Mr. Krsnich, we are counting on you to deliver a thoughtfully designed and beautiful development that will provide for the needs of our community … This project could very well be your legacy in our town,” Tom Harper writes in this column.
Tom Harper: Community initiatives to fund third volume of ‘Embattled Lawrence’ history books (Column)
In ”Embattled Lawrence,” Dennis Domer aims to tell the stories that have been missed in Lawrence’s rich history. Upcoming dinners and presentations will help raise funds to make the next volume possible, Tom Harper writes in this column.
Max Kautsch: Nothing to see here – Kansas lawmakers use State Finance Council to spend public money in the dark (Column)
”Will the Legislature again allow a cornucopia of taxpayer money to be spent without giving the public the courtesy of observing even the final stage of negotiations?” Max Kautsch writes in this Kansas Reflector column.
Shawn Alexander: Juneteenth and numerous other Emancipation Day celebrations (Column)
”For generations, no matter what date was selected, freedom and an understanding of the meaning of freedom has been at the center of Emancipation Day events. We must honor and respect that history and legacy,” Shawn Alexander writes in this column.
Dot Nary: Disability discrimination leaves invisible scars (Column)
”Despite our living with multiple surgical scars … the more serious scars are the emotional ones that we as disabled people have experienced due to discrimination,” Dot Nary writes in this column.
Shawn Alexander: The little-known story of George R. King and Bailey Hall (Column)
”King is an example of why history matters and a testament of who gets lost in the retelling of history when certain stories, individuals and events are left out of the history books and public memory,” Shawn Alexander writes in this column.
Clay Wirestone: Never forget – A senator was bludgeoned as tempers flared over slavery in Kansas 168 years ago (Column)
”We remember Sumner’s name. But we should also remember that Sumner was right,” Clay Wirestone writes in this Kansas Reflector column.
Nick Kuzmyak: Key changes in the draft land development code, explained (Column)
”I’d like to highlight two areas (of the draft land development code) that I’m betting are of particular interest: single-family zoning and off-street parking,” Nick Kuzmyak writes in this column.
Sanctuary Alliance: Lawrence police actions against student protesters raise deep concerns (Column)
”We ask you to formally address your actions and reasoning for both events and refuse to answer any future mutual aid calls from KU police for any action of peaceful protest on the KU campus,” Sanctuary Alliance – Lawrence, KS writes to Lawrence police.
Community Children’s Center: 7 things you can do for your early childhood care provider on Provider Appreciation Day (Column)
”Here are seven great things you can do to celebrate your early childhood care provider” today on Provider Appreciation Day, Will Averill writes in this column.
Ken Lassman: My interview with the prairie (Column)
”It has been just more than one year since the old growth prairie that grows next to the Prairie Park Nature Center was sprayed … I decided: why not go to the source and interview the prairie itself?” Ken Lassman writes in this anthropomorphic column.
Tom Harper
Tom Harper: Project underway to restore Reuter building in downtown Lawrence (Column)
The former Reuter Organ Co. building in downtown Lawrence has a rich history, yet it was in such poor condition that its new owner was considering demolition. Instead, he chose to preserve it for future generations, Tom Harper writes in this column.
Patrick Schmitz: Bert Nash will continue to support gender-affirming care (Column)
”I urge the residents of Douglas County to join us in supporting gender-affirming care and standing in solidarity with transgender and gender diverse individuals in our community,” Patrick Schmitz, CEO of Bert Nash, writes in this column.
Max McCoy: Report reveals ‘dysfunction’ at Haskell University. We owe the past – and future – much more. (Column)
”The release of the BIE’s investigative report on Haskell is a start. But more is needed, including a criminal investigation into the abuses uncovered by the report,” Max McCoy writes in this Kansas Reflector column.
Tom Harper
Tom Harper: The story behind Aladdin Cafe, celebrating 24 years in Lawrence (Column)
Mohammed Iskandrani opened Aladdin Cafe 24 years ago after his mother told him she would move to Lawrence from Jordan if he would open a restaurant, Tom Harper writes in this column.
