Life: Identifying Local Opportunities
1. Deep History Disrupted, Even As Things Continue to Improve
Link: https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=WORLDNEWS&req_dat=0D0CB57BE7FF6D8A&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F175D9F16E8739B28
Story: A traditionally black community close to Downtown Gainesville is feeling the effects of the University of Floridas large budget and growing presence within Gainesville.
Problem: With the recent gentrification of the area local residents, some of which who have been there for decades, are seeing rising property rates and even being forced out of their own neighborhood. This is mainly due to the increasing size of the University located just a few blocks away, but with its rise comes problems effecting some of its local residents.
2. Rebuilding Racial Trust
Link: https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=WORLDNEWS&req_dat=0D0CB57BE7FF6D8A&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F175D9F1699829808
Story: This story depicts the relations between UF and (mainly) the Black community/ the progress of the newly built Institute of Black Culture. Throughout the Universities history there have been rocky relations with multiple of the different racial groups, many of the problems are coming to light once again.
Issue: The main issue being presented in the story is the lack of equality and representation given to the black community on UF's campus. There has been issues with the building of their new Institute and the possible merger of the building with the Hispanic communities building. Recently, there has been a few instances that sparked major controversy, graduate ceremony/guest speakers/etc, which has heightened the tensions and shone a negative light on the University.
3. UF Preview Costs Exceed State Limit
Link: https://www.gainesville.com/news/20190907/uf-preview-costs-exceeded-state-limit
Story: Incoming UF freshman have been paying hundreds of dollars to attend the mandatory orientation when the state requirement is that it can only cost $35.
Issue: A whistleblower raises concerns regarding the massive expensive tied to UF orientation for freshman when state law deems it only to cost $35 maximum. The problem lies in the confusion of whether this orientation is mandatory, which many say the get the impression that is according to all UF websites. UF claims it does not specifically state that attendance is crucial yet there is a lack in clarity on the Universities side.
4. UF resident assistant charged with battery released as "high achieving" student leader
Link: https://www.alligator.org/news/uf-resident-assistant-charged-with-battery-released-as-high-achieving/article_22218abc-d2bc-11e9-b6c8-576af09c51cc.html
Story: Well known student was released from jail and given a lowered sentence and bond requirement after victim claims sexual harassment.
Issue: Senior, Ian Milaski, was reported to have harassed a freshman girl multiple times within her own dorm room until someone stopped it. This involved student is said to have over 200 hours of community service and as a Teaching Assistant, and because of this was given a much reduced bail and release from jail. This raises questions about how lenient the courts will be when the defendant checks out on paper.
5. Legalized recreational marijuana in Florida is bound to happen sooner or later
Link: https://www.tcpalm.com/story/opinion/contributors/2019/09/09/legal-recreational-marijuana-florida-inevitable/2262168001/
Story: Since the legalization of both CBD and Hemp in the state of Florida it is becoming much harder to distinguish the difference between the two.
Issue: This confusion is creating controversy as many people do not understand the difference and the different punishments attached to the ownership of one over the there. Very prominent officials have openly declared their support for the legization of marijuana and have fought to make it so. Not only are people arguing the health benefits of it but are pointing out the new source of revenue it can create for the state.
Brooke,
ReplyDeleteI too noted a story presented in a local newspaper (mine was the Tampa Bay Times) where it was discussed that recreational marijuana is being heavily campaigned for by lobbyists. I also found your inclusion of the sexual assault story very concerning for the broader University of Florida community and does indeed raise questions about potential inefficiencies of the court system. Good work!
Hi Brooke,
ReplyDeleteI really liked how you presented articles that affect the UF community and the state of Florida. Before I saw your post, I had read the article on Preview and that of the RA. Both of which struck too close to home and made me question various aspects of the university. I personally want to know whether or not the $100 the university owes me will be in cash, check, or a season football pass next year. On a serious note, your articles use local examples to discuss broad issues everyone needs to be considering. How are minorities being driven out of their communities in other areas beyond Gainesville? How is Florida going to introduce marijuana to the private sector and consumers? I think that all of these topics are going to hit us in the face before we have a proper solution. Phenomenal job!
Hey there Brooke!
ReplyDeleteReally interesting post. I like how your articles hit close to home (relating to the University of Florida Community and all of Florida). I think its very important to point out the lack of equality and representation given to the black community on UF's campus. I think this is something that is overlooked, and shouldn't be, so great job! Also, the sexual assault story is very important too because that seems to be prevalent on this campus and in Florida news.
Hi Brooke,
ReplyDeleteGreat Post! I think its very interesting that you chose to look closely at the social issues that affect us all in one way or another. As much a we look to economic changes to reveal opportunities, the social challenges that we face also have a large impact on the opportunities that surround us. The sexual assault article will hopefully pick up momentum and bring about a solution of some sort. However, it almost never does, so fingers crossed for now.
Great job!