The pieces in this section are generally written by members of the Lawrence community and those who have close ties. In addition, the Times is offering some space for area organizations and organizers to provide updates and attempt to reach other folks who might share their mission.
The Lawrence Times does not publish staff editorials (unsigned opinion columns, usually about the topics we cover, that many news publications run).
Want to submit a letter or column to the Times? Great! Click here to find out how.
OPINION COLUMNS
TJ Campsey: We must struggle together to reach bold, brave solutions (Column)
“We need to find our common strength. That means rejecting the fear and hatred the GOP manufactures to keep us divided and weak,” TJ Campsey writes in this column.
Suzanne Wikle: The future of public education in Kansas will be decided at the polls (Column)
“On Aug. 4, voters will see a ballot question asking if we should start directly electing our Kansas Supreme Court justices. … The threat to fairness of our public schools is one of the main reasons I’ll be voting ‘no,’” Suzanne Wikle writes in this column.
Clay Wirestone: As Pride Month dawns, Kansas governor helps celebrate rainbow flag creator Gilbert Baker (Column)
“Happy Gilbert Baker Day! … He created a piece of American iconography that has spread across the globe and into the hearts of those who care for their gay neighbors: the rainbow pride flag,” Clay Wirestone writes in this Kansas Reflector column.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Holly Krebs: City of Lawrence is increasing employee pay at unsustainable levels (Column)
One major reason the City of Lawrence’s costs have outpaced its revenue is because its personnel expenses increased 40%, from $90 million to $126 million, in the last six years, Holly Krebs writes in this column.
Tom Harper: Ben Graham’s craftsmanship preserves Lawrence buildings, compels with its details (Column)
Lawrence has benefited from Ben Graham’s generous spirit and broad skillset, particularly as a plasterer, since 1985, Tom Harper writes in this column.
Shawn Alexander: When W. E. B. Du Bois came to Lawrence (Column)
W. E. B. Du Bois spoke in Lawrence 105 years ago today. “We should draw inspiration from those who have come before us and dare to envision a better world,” Shawn Alexander writes in this column.
LETTERS TO THE TIMES
Letter to the Times: I want to go to Algeria (and thanks to all!)
Algerians and Lawrencians proved to the world (and perhaps to ourselves) that it is possible to build bridges and break barriers, Tai Edwards writes in this letter to the Times.
Letter to the Times: Preserve the Wakarusa River ecosystem instead of building the 1059 development
“The proposed 1059 (formerly New Boston Crossing) development is a bad idea. If this project is realized, the environmental damage will be irremediable,” Dan Wildcat writes in this letter to the Times.
Letter to the Times: City of Lawrence should revise, not rescind, sustainability ordinance
“While the federal government is undoing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Lawrence can and should lead the way,” members of the League of Women Voters of Lawrence-Douglas County write in this letter to the Times.
Letter to the Times: Lifting short-term rental cap could harm Lawrence residents
“The need for long-term rentals won’t decrease because the World Cup is coming and the need for short-term rentals is increasing,” Chris Flowers writes in this letter to the Times.
Letter to the Times: A 3-point plan to achieve more accessible and affordable housing
“Local data … makes clear that Lawrence needs more housing that is both affordable and accessible,” members of the Accessibility in Affordable Housing Workgroup write in this letter to the Times.
Letter to the Times: Raise the age for free rec center access
“Lawrence city commissioners should increase the age limit for youths to be eligible for free access to recreation facilities from 17 to 26,” Irene Ratzlaff Soderstrom writes in this letter to the Times.
ORG CORNER
Bishop Seabury Academy announces the Class of 2026 (Announcement)
“The 23 members of the Class of 2026 received acceptances to 72 different colleges and more than $8.6 million in scholarship and institutional grant offers,” Bishop Seabury Academy writes.
Bishop Seabury Academy announces the Class of 2025 (Announcement)
“The 17 members of the Class of 2025 have received 120 acceptances to 80 different colleges and were offered more than $10 million in four-year renewable scholarships and institutional grants,” Bishop Seabury Academy writes.
Watkins Museum of History: Curtis Marsh book talk set to celebrate KU’s 160th anniversary
“Over the course of his 30-plus years of service to the University of Kansas, (Curtis) Marsh has amassed a wealth of knowledge about Jayhawk stats, history, and traditions,” Will Haynes writes in this piece from the Watkins Museum of History.
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