Social Issues

Opinion: Firearm Freedoms Shouldn’t Cause Fear

Expanded assault rifle laws overpower the right to feel safe.

By Peakalika Ichimura, Opinion Writer | September 10, 2025

On June 14 of this year, the “No Kings” Protest in downtown Salt Lake City boasted 10,000 protesters. The sea of civilians peacefully marching consisted of a large variety of organizations,...

Opinion: Utah’s Polite Culture Impacts Individuality

Utah culture fosters a white-picket fence approach to socializing. The social norm of constant politeness does not leave enough room for raw expression.

By Shannon Akin, Opinion Writer | August 29, 2025

Utah has a notable reputation for modesty and pleasantries. These values are deeply rooted in the state’s religious origins, pushing social norms embedded by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day...

Opinion: Censoring Public Media Threatens Democracy

Public broadcasting services need funding to provide for Americans.

By Emma Thompson, Opinion Writer | August 26, 2025

President Donald Trump signed a bill Aug. 1 cutting federal funding to public media outlets. This includes National Public Radio (NPR) and Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). The Trump administration...

Opinion: Running to reform

The Utah prison running club is a necessary and rejuvenating opportunity for Utah inmates.

By Evan Van Leuven, Opinion Writer | August 25, 2025

This article originally appeared in the Rough Draft print issue, in stands August 2025. It has not been updated and some information may be out of date. The Utah State Correctional Facility (USCF)’s...

Opinion: Utah’s Death By Firing Squad is Brutal and Unnecessary

Utah is making a severe mistake with its first firing squad execution in 15 years.

By Evan Van Leuven, Opinion Writer | August 10, 2025

For the first time in 15 years, Utah is preparing for a firing squad execution. The inmate in question is Ralph Leroy Menzies, the murderer of Maurine Hunsaker. His execution date has been set...

Opinion: Utah’s Suing Snapchat, Other States Should Follow

We know social media has catastrophic effects on teen mental health and society at large. States should do something about it.

By Samantha Reagan, Opinion Writer | August 6, 2025

Governor Spencer Cox and Attorney General Derek Brown are suing Snapchat on Utah’s behalf. They allege Snapchat was designed to be addictive to children and to facilitate exploitation. This...

Opinion: Lowering Academic Standards is Not Equity

Artificially inflating grades does not create a more just world — it creates unprepared college students, and unprepared adults. It’s time for education to re-prioritize excellence.

By Samantha Reagan, Opinion Writer | June 17, 2025

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) recently backed down from implementing its proposed Grading for Equity plan, which was set to roll out this fall. The plan, similar to the...

Opinion: An Informed Angler is a Sustainable One

Fishing is an accessible sport that can provide any Utahn with outdoor fun this summer. Every angler must do their part to help the environment by staying informed on regulations surrounding sustainability.

By Shannon Akin, Opinion Writer | June 14, 2025

Fishing is a popular sport for many, especially in Utah. It provides a rich connection to nature that can be enjoyed alone or with loved ones. Many gravitate towards this pastime to relieve stress...

Opinion: No, Working Out Is Not Far-Right

Despite how apolitical exercise may seem, there is a conservative tilt to fitness spaces. This is not how it has to be.

By Samantha Reagan, Opinion Writer | June 6, 2025

Exercise is a difficult thing to politicize. Protein powder, pre-workout and creatine do not come with a party label. Working out is objectively, universally good for you — regardless of your...

Opinion: Spread Truth With Positive Autism Awareness

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy has promoted harmful rhetoric about Autism Spectrum Disorder. We must combat this by engaging with media that promotes and protects the autism community, rather then misinformation which disenfranchises those with spectrum disorders.

By Shannon Akin, Opinion Writer | June 4, 2025

Autism spectrum disorder does not need to be defeated or solved. Instead, it must be celebrated. The U.S. Health Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy (RFK), disagrees and in doing so, his rhetoric is...