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
Housing advocates and organizers: Lawrence should say no to occupancy restrictions (Column)
“We see daily how families of all kinds — blood-related or chosen — pool groceries, bills and child care to keep one another safe. Occupancy caps effectively criminalize mutual aid, making it harder for people to meet basic needs,” four local housing advocates write in this column.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Lawrence school board President Kelly Jones: Schools must be safe, welcoming amid anti-trans onslaught (Column)
“The USD 497 Board of Education resolutely wants transgender students, staff, and their families to feel all love the whole school day and be afforded the right and dignity to show up to school as they are — especially now,” Lawrence school board President Kelly Jones writes in this column.
Tom Harper/Lawrence Times
Tom Harper: What’s old is new again at Liberty Hall (Column)
Repertory movies have made a comeback, cultivating community in downtown Lawrence, and “During these uncertain times, we need Liberty Hall as much as Liberty Hall needs us,” Tom Harper writes in this column.
Shawn Alexander: Black history prevails, despite persistent threats (Column)
“Despite backlash, the Black community has consistently pushed to teach Black history, whether sanctioned or not. … We should all champion their efforts,” Shawn Alexander writes in this column.
Clay Wirestone: In its wisdom, Kansas Legislature puts mugging transgender children ahead of all other priorities (Column)
”(Kansas legislators) are making antihuman choices that will destroy lives and rip apart families for cheap political gain. The fact that we all knew this was coming does not make it any easier to bear,” Clay Wirestone writes in this Kansas Reflector column.
Tom Harper/Lawrence Times
Tom Harper: A new and improved Volume 1 of ‘Embattled Lawrence’ is coming soon (Column)
Since the release of Embattled Lawrence, Vol. 2, people have asked editor Dennis Domer frequently where they can find a copy of Vol. 1. A new version of the local history book — long out of print — will soon be available, Tom Harper writes in this column.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Shawn Alexander: The new year, with apologies to and inspiration from Langston Hughes (Column)
”Let us see and hear in the new year the faint voices captured in the Kaw and all ancient rivers ‘older than the flow of human blood in human veins’ that are carrying the calls and dreams of a more hopeful, peaceful, tolerant, and just world,” Shawn Alexander writes in this column.
Tom Harper: A ‘Thanksgiving miracle’ in Lawrence (Column)
”Simple acts of kindness and generosity happen daily. Sometimes they are small, such as holding a door open for a stranger; other times, they’re as monumental as gifting a vehicle to someone in need,” Tom Harper writes in this column.
Shawn Alexander: Say his name – Fred Harvey Smith (Column)
”Racial violence has been omnipresent in American history, and in far too many of the incidents, the perpetrators of the crime are acquitted or not even brought up on charges. When I think of such cases I am often haunted by the heinous murder of Fred Harvey Smith here in the land of John Brown in May 1936,” Shawn Alexander writes in this column.
Mike Warner: Voters have an experienced choice in this district attorney race (Column)
”Experience matters. … A poorly managed district attorney’s office undermines justice and wastes taxpayers’ money, and I want to end this,” Mike Warner writes in this column.
Tom Harper/Lawrence Times
Tom Harper: Keep City Hall in downtown Lawrence where it belongs (Column)
”Our city hall communicates strength and has an aura of permanence … City hall must remain in the heart of our city: downtown,” Tom Harper writes in this column.
Tom Harper/Lawrence Times
Tom Harper: Behind the brew – How KANbucha came to be (Column)
Elliot Pees, creator of KANbucha, recently gave Tom Harper a tour of his business and allowed him to document the weekly process of making 240 gallons of kombucha.
Shannon Portillo: Save KU’s centers that espouse values, help form leaders (Column)
”I benefit to this day from the strong networks I was able to build in spaces that students demanded. I hope that KU can continue to have those spaces of learning and connection for the students, staff and faculty there now,” Shannon Portillo writes in this column.
Bert Nash Center: Community Resource Fair to offer food, demos, dozens of agencies (Announcement)
”This will be the third year for the Bert Nash Center’s Community Resource Fair. And this year’s will be the most interactive one yet,” Jeff Burkhead writes in this Org Corner piece from Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center.
Tom Harper/Lawrence Times
Tom Harper: Don’t call it ‘flipping’ – Mike Randolph wants to revive old houses, create good homes (Column)
”Housing is a fundamental need, and Mike Randolph has been helping address that need in Lawrence for many years,” Tom Harper writes in this column.
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